[Aiuto]

I have been discussing with my T how to cope with paranoia triggers.She told me that I need to go threw these triggers and redirect my thoughts without running away from the trigger. Well it has not been going well. I get scared, paranoid all the time ranging from large crowds to me walking down a street and another person that looks scary to me.

Example today I went for a walk/jog to reduce anxiety, stress etc.Well it ended up creating more anxiety and a paranoia state of mind. This happened because it was about 40min till sun down and I was doing some blocks. On my first block I had seen a "thug" looking kid riding a bike by himself. He did not bother me or say anything to me. I just kept seeing him riding around. I tried to work threw change the thoughts of "he was not going to do anything". Failed I could not trust it and had to run another direction to avoid and cut my exercise early.

I have had to deal with this paranoia EVERY TIME I leave my house and go out into society. I hate the feelings, thoughts, and cannot seem to break from this Paranoia.

[HealingNSuffering]

She's right about working on not running away from/avoiding the triggers, I used to get paranoid on my walks as you before I even knew what I had was PTSD. Constantly looking over my shoulder, I was ready to defend myself if any of those mother ****ers tried to approach me. I looked intimidating, I had a couple of them actually walk into the middle street on onto the other sidewalk because my tense, angry demeanor was apparently viewed as more of a threat to them. All the while I was worrying about them, they were worrying about me. Fear is a dangerous thing sometimes, not just for the person who is scared. I'm still paranoid of relationships even more than I was of strangers, still working on that one.

[MotownJohnny]

I agree, you have to stare it down or it will rule you. One of mine was really dumb, I fairly deeply lost it at the parking garage at Macy's because it reminded me so much of another parking garage that had a very negative association. Forced myself to keep going back until I was ok with it.

[volatile]

It's been 6 years and I'm still paranoid. It takes a long time and yeah it sucks. just keep exposing yourself to your triggers and do grounding and breathing exercises when you are feeling overwhelmed. also remind yourself that nothing bad has happened and there is no reason to have fear. you'll make it, soon you won't be worried every time you leave just sometimes.