Jealously, Suspicion and Problems with Intimacy
- Manage anxiety. Anxiety increases when suspicions grow. If you believe your suspicion is groundless, work on the anxiety. Remind yourself that things are okay with the relationship. Focus on the positive aspects of the relationship and positive aspects of yourself to improve esteem. These are great measures to progress your thoughts. To improve your anxiety behaviorally, find new ways to have fun with your partner. When apart, complete relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension.
- End what cannot survive. If your current relationships are based on lies, deception and mistrust, end them and find healthy relationships. Changing the structure of a flawed relationship is challenging. Trust is difficult to repair if infidelities have already occurred. Remember that no relationships are better than unhealthy relationships. Do not let depression or desperation cloud your judgment.
Paranoia
Paranoia is an extension of suspicion. During periods of paranoia, you have strong feelings of jealously, suspicion, and in extreme cases, delusions of persecution – the idea that people or organizations are conspiring against you. Paranoia leads people to feel very anxious and depressed.
Depression can be the cause of paranoia as well as the result. When depressive symptoms worsen over time without effective treatment, psychotic symptoms may occur. During a psychotic episode, you lose touch with reality. Your senses and perceptions become less accurate and exaggerated to be more negative. Many people experience paranoia as part of delusional thinking.
In the moment, it will be quite difficult to differentiate between psychotic paranoia and accurate suspicion. Asking yourself questions about proof, objective evidence and likelihood of your paranoia being possible will help you determine if your thoughts are rational. Likewise, confiding in a trusted source and accepting their opinion of the situation will be helpful. If you find that your paranoia is unfounded, take action by consulting with your psychiatrist or mental health professional as people are known to act recklessly during periods of paranoia.
In addition to depression, paranoia could stem from another disorder like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder or paranoid personality disorder. Some level of paranoia is expected with these illnesses. Drug use is another factor that can trigger or amplify feelings of paranoia. Avoid recreational drug use or self-medication if there is a history of paranoia for you or members of your family. Lastly, monitor your sleeping patterns. Poor sleep can trigger extreme suspicion. Improve sleep to target the root of the symptom.
Conclusion
Positive, productive and desirable relationships cannot survive in a suspicious environment. By improving your understanding of the ways depression and suspicion are linked, as well as the causes, variations and treatments for suspicion, you are more likely to have better relationships. Getting along with more people is something you can really relate to.
