Paranoia

Paranoia is a debilitating condition that can creep on us without much warning. Ranging from mild symptoms to crippling thoughts that affect every aspect of our behaviour, it’s a consequence of the party lifestyle that is rarely discussed.

WHAT IS PARANOIA?
Paranoia is defined as “thinking and feeling like you are being threatened in some way, even if there is no evidence, or very little evidence, that you are”. This can lead to irrational behaviour, connected to fear and anxiety.

FEELING PARANOID?
If someone is suffering with paranoia, the first thing to do is talk it out. It’s crucial to guide the part of you that feels threatened to a place of safety. Being open about your thoughts can help to minimise their power over you.

Identifying any triggers can also be incredibly useful. Once you figure out the causes, you can start work on unpicking them.

Be kind to yourself. Shame and suppressing your feelings will only make things worse. By accepting that it’s perfectly normal to experience paranoid thoughts, you can soothe your worried mind and begin to neutralise insecurity.

WHEN DOES IT BECOME AN ISSUE?
Paranoia becomes a mental health issue when your everyday life is affected; reclusiveness, aggression, physical or mental attacks, erratic behaviour, psychosis - all of these indicate a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

CAUSES
There are several root causes of paranoia, several of which are present in the raving lifestyle, which is why it’s crucial to be aware of them.

Lack of sleep
Stress
Chemical stimulants
Underlying issues