Have you ever watched a scary movie or television show by yourself and, as a result, every creak in the house or the bark of a dog is a sure sign that someone is coming inside to do you bodily harm?
It happens to me all the time. My husband works late hours and for some reason, that’s the moment I decide to check out the newest suspenseful television show on Netflix.
Now, I’m not a big fan of horror movies, viewing the adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” cured me of any fascination I could have possibly had with the genre at a young age.
However, I do enjoy psychological dramas and documentaries based on actual crimes, especially the television show “Snapped.”
Nonetheless, it never fails, the paranoia sets in and I always feel like someone is watching me.
I decided, as usual, to enter the term “paranoia” into Google’s search engine.
According to www.depression-guide.com, paranoia is sometimes a symptom of Paranoid Personality Disorder, schizophrenia or delusional disorder and can often be treated with medication. A common feeling the paranoid experience is that they are the target of persecution by others.
People who suffer from Paranoid Personality Disorder do not trust other people and feel the need to show a higher degree of autonomy and self-sufficiency. They also try to have some control over other people surrounding them and are rigid, stubborn and always critical, the website states.
I think it’s safe to say, at one point or another, we have all felt feelings of paranoia when it comes to our jobs, friendships and school.
These paranoid feelings come and go for me at different points in my life, but for some, according to this website, these types of emotions are an everyday occurrence.
I couldn’t imagine feeling that way all the time. It’s a terrifying thing when I do imagine a plethora of untrue circumstances.
According to the website, there is medicinal and psychological treatment for those who suffer from this disorder.
As for me, I’m going to limit the amount of time spent watching psychological dramas alone and spend more time focusing on reality, not delusions.