[AmaShel567]

I’m not sure where it comes from so I’m going to post this in this forum and the bipolar forum. I’ve been diagnosed with both bipolar and PTSD. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with irrational paranoia. I get anxious when I’m by myself because I fear that someone is just going to show up and do something violent to me. Even when I’m downstairs and I hear our house creak I feel like there is someone upstairs that’s not supposed to be even though I know there isn’t. I’m afraid of my closet because there may be someone or something hiding in there. I have a fear of demons and evil spirits watching me. I feel like I’m being watched all the time. Leaving work I sometimes feel like I’m being followed. I know these things aren’t real but I still feel the anxiety from the fear. If anyone else has this problem could you offer any suggestions about what to do.

[Open Eyes]

(((AmaShel567))),

Oh I am sorry, I didn't see this thread. You are really "hypervigilant" and that is one of the symptoms of PTSD. Do you have a therapist you can talk to about this?

Open Eyes

[Idler]

I have some similar anxieties; I constantly worry that someone is there, forcing me to compulsively search around. I know that nobody is actually there, but I still seem to hypothesize that this or that might happen (someone's in the apartment and they are going to do something awful) Of course, even after searching around and proving that no one is there, my anxiety doesn't usually lessen... I'm still struggling with this issue, but I've developed a few strategies that have personally helped me at least a little:

- If you have someone that knows about and understands these anxieties, talk to them about them when you can. Sometimes it's helpful to find someone that can reinforce your understanding that your anxieties are not a realistic assessment of the situation (nothing is in the house, in the closet, etc)
- This may only work for me, so only do it if it applies to you (don't do it if it will make things worse for you specifically)... When I'm alone in a dark room with no noise going on (working on the computer, for instance), I find that turning on the TV and some lights can help. Having the noise can simulate the sensation of (pleasant) company. Lights reduce the sense that something is hiding in that dark corner, as it's easy to see what's going on around me.
- I find that just calling someone, anyone, about anything at all can help. Meaning, I might call a friend and ask them how things have been. The conversation helps get my mind off of my worries.

I don't know if any of this will help you, but regardless, you should definitely do what the above poster suggested - talk to your therapist, if you have one, about this. Best wishes, and I hope you find some good strategies to manage these anxieties. I know it's not easy.