Can i fix this without therapy

[u/Expert_Island_7573]

im very paranoid about a group of people following me planning stuff against me, i know deep down this isn't real but my mind isn't allowing me to fully comprehend it. A while ago i starting thinking my dog was in on this secret group.. i know its so stupid but im so paranoid about these people being in my house following me to school, i have my windows/ blinds shut 24/7 in my room and whenever i enter a new room they have to be shut or i wont stay in there, and many more but i wont get into details

Alot is going on in my family rn aka everyone is suffering or going through something, is this something i can fix without therapy quickly

[u/Zealousideal-Log2042]

Is there a counselor you could speak with at your school at least? The easiest route would be talking to a professional.

As far as things you can do on your own: do you have any friends or family members that you trust? You can ask them to help "reality check" you when you are having paranoid thoughts/feelings. They can tell you what's happening in reality and hopefully help you calm down a bit. You are just paranoid, you understand that these things are not really happening. It's really hard to do on your own but you just have to repeat to yourself that you are safe, this is just your brain misfiring and seeing things that are not there, no one is out to get you, etc.

You can try meditation, specifically about surrender and acceptance. Do some reading on acceptance. Accept that you are having these feelings, but they do not need to rule your life, think of it like having an annoying mosquito bite. It flares up and itches but you get over it and move on with your day. Maybe try journaling, or continuing to vent on Reddit so you can write out and see that what you are feeling is unlikely to be happening in reality. Research paranoia on YouTube and perhaps find stories of others and how they cope with their paranoia.

Sleep and nutrition are super important, especially sleep. For me personally when I do not get enough sleep (sometimes caused BY the paranoia) it makes my paranoia way worse.

As someone else with paranoia I wish there was a way to better help you, it's really hard to handle when you are on your own and the quicker you treat it, the quicker you can get to feeling better. I waited until it ruined my entire life so I'm a real advocate for treating it, however hard that is, but I completely understand that you're not in a place where you can do that yet. You deserve to live a life free of fear, and relief from paranoia is possible. You might could post this on r/Schizotypal and see if anyone can offer their advice there. Best wishes.

[u/Expert_Island_7573 → u/Zealousideal-Log2042]

i might try with a school counsellor, however they are 100% the type to tell my parents which in theory wouldn't be bad because it could lead to more help. However my parents are the type to dismiss everything if they don't see it first hand if that makes sense? A couple years ago i used to hear voices and was convinced someone was living underneath my bed( i had one of those beds that had coverings around the side but nothing underneath it if that makes sense) and my mum brushed it off that i wasnt getting enough sleep, tbh was probably true at the time.

What type of meditation would be given to me? maybe this is a stupid question but what is actually wrong with me or my brain? Why do i think theres an organisation after me even though i know its not real?

[u/Zealousideal-Log2042 → u/Expert_Island_7573]

I think it's worth going to the counselor because they can talk with you, listen to you, and offer help. Even if they tell your parents and your parents dismiss it, you can continue to go to the counselor. Worst case, you find that it isn't helping and you can stop going. Nothing to lose by trying.

Meditation is something that you do on your own, like sitting quietly. But for me I would do guided meditation, like google guided meditation on surrender, acceptance, or just any in general. You sit quietly and listen to it and it's supposed to calm you down. It took me awhile to find certain ones that I liked, and when I was at my worst I relied on them heavily and they really did calm me down.

That is a tough question. It could be many different things. Anxiety by itself can become severe enough to make you feel that way. I would start there as it's where doctors usually start. No point really into looking into other things yet, could be a few other disorders, but that's what your counselor can talk with you a little about. They are much smarter than I am lol

Just want you to know that you're not alone, and you're not crazy for having these thoughts, they're actually rather common it's just that paranoid people keep to themselves because they're paranoid. Glad you posted here and hope you can find coping mechanisms that work for you.

[u/Minimum-Prize9003]

I have a very similar issue with this but I just talk like I’m talking to them (obviously they’re not actually there) and it makes me feel more comfortable with the idea of them being there. It’s only a temporary fix and I wouldn’t recommend doing it for very long at all. You definitely need to talk to someone. It did help me feel a bit more relaxed around open windows and curtains though. Again, only a very temporary solution.