Experiencing Paranoia, is this part of Mania?

I am on edge and I am experiencing paranoia. Everything stresses me out these days. I have a bad attitude and don't want to be around people. I think everyone is out to take advantage of me or use me or just not treat me right. Including my husband. I withhold affection because I think he is unkind and undeserving of my love. I exclaim, what is wrong with me! Can anyone relate or shed light on what I am experiencing. BTW, I go see the therapist in 2 weeks.

Hi,

I'm sorry you're struggling in this way at the moment. From what I understand, paranoia comes under the umbrella of psychotic symptoms that can accompany mania. I've certainly experienced it myself and it can be very frightening and disorientating, so I can relate.

For example, during my last full blown psychotic mania in '11, I developed an elaborate persecutory delusion, believed I was under 'Big Brother' style surveillance while in hospital, and even as my mania started to subside, I would feel as if there was a presence watching me whenever I was alone in my room. I also recognise the irritability and mistrust of others you describe as a sign of higher mood states.

It's good you're seeing your therapist in a couple of weeks, but is there any way to get an earlier appointment with a psychiatrist?

In my experience, a medication change (usually the addition of an antipsychotic) has been the most effective treatment and, for me at least, I find it's best to nip the higher moods in the bud before they escalate. Good luck with finding some relief soon.

Yes , paranoia definitely can come with psychotic mania. I recall being psychotic manic thinking people were out to kill me, as well as feeling there were secret societies all predicated around attempting to control my life.

The therapist should help, be very honest about your paranoid dispositions, they sound like they are being very burdening . When you are feeling paranoid, remind yourself that you are in fact safe. Paranoia is largely predicated on an irrational fear, and not responses to actual dangers. Remind yourself that you are in fact safe. Deep breathes may help, as well as a cup of water

Thanks for the input. This all makes sense. I do need some relief and plan on making an appointment with the psychiatrist.

@bipolarmusician I had this problem in my recent mania, and sadly it wasn't resolved by anything else than medication. I felt paranoid and scared and I was aware I feel that for no reason, but couldn't stop feeling it. It was quite irritating since there was nothing I could do other than take benzos every few hours. But knowing that I feel that for no reason ensured I didn't do anything silly like ruining the house searching for cameras

I have had paranoid delusions with depression, mania and mixed states. they are very difficult to cope with and I have done things like look for cameras and cover over my web cam alongside other things which in retrospect were clearly linked to paranoia. The only thing that has worked for me was an increase in my aripiprazole and this has worked well. They also go when my mood returns to normal too which is a good thing. I think liaising with a therapist and Dr is important here for sure. Hope you are doing better soon

Hugs

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