[walk_alone2202]

I'm really, really paranoid. Since I can remember, I've always been nervous and anxious whenever people whispered around me, or when they laugh (or stopped talking) when I entered a room. It's only over the past year or so that I realised I was... strangely, paranoid. It's getting to the point where people are just telling me to get over myself, but I don't know how to stop it!

[alliecat]

It's definately a disorder if you ask me. I think mostly it stems from a lack of confidence. What are some of your good points? What things would you like to change?
Paranoia can ruin you and destroy your relationships.

[Rapunzel]

It can be, if it is causing you significant distress. But not necessarily though. Some people are just more trusting than others. If it really bothers you, you should ask someone about it. Here's a link to some information about Paranoid Personality Disorder and related topics you can look at for more information: Paranoid Personality Disorder (Internet Mental Health)

[cms39]

Sometimes it's the situation we are in. I have the tendency to be paranoid, but it only comes out in bad situations, i.e. a bad work environment, etc.

[sqrlb8]

HI there WA, I saw another post of yours earlier in which you were wondering how to get help despite your parents lack of support in the effort. But reading this one too, makes me feel like you are certainly right to seek some pro help.

I think your question above sounds like your asking if paranoia is specifically a personality disorder, as in dx? Anyway, it seems to me that paranoia can be a symptom shared by many dx's. We all feel discomfiture to varying degrees in varying situations, but what you describe sounds deeper and more abiding than that.

In your other thread, someone suggested starting with a school counselor, pretty good idea. He/she can at the very least clarify for you what your legal options are as far as bypassing your parents is concerned.

Good luck to you, and keep us "posted."

peace

[walk_alone2202]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I usually tend to get paranoid when I'm around other people. Or... say I don't know something but (literally) everyone else does. I don't know what it is; whether I like to keep posted on what people talk about, or something, but it's got to be more than that because I get quite bad even when people laugh around me. I'm such a scrooge.

I went to my school councillor when I was being bullied. She's a nice person, but she's kind of persistant on checking up on people, which I find quite annoying... I will try going to her, like people are advising.

xXx

[cms39]

True, paranoia is a symptom of certain mental illnesses. But it's also quite common for teens to feel this way, particularly if they had been bullied. I also had paranoia as a teenager around other teens. I always felt like they were laughing at me. When I grew older and more confident, it went away.