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| Guide to Recovering from PTSD Contents Introduction Anger Anxiety Chronic Pain Compulsion Confusion Crisis Delusions Denial Dependence Depression Grief Guilt Loneliness Negative Self-Concept (Low Self Esteem) Obesity Obsessions Passive-Agressive Behavior Phobia Rape Trauma Syndrome Sleep Disorders Substance Abuse Suicidal Behavior or Ideation Suspiciousness/Paranoia Withdrawn Behavior information copyright | What are suspiciousness and paranoia? Suspiciousness is a haunting feeling of mistrust. Paranoia, a term also used diagnostically, is the ongoing feeling that someone is after you and may involve other intrustve thoughts. Paranoia can interfere with every aspec t of your life as you fear intimacy, and isoltate. The veteran may move away from family, friends, and all supports in an effort to feel safe because of suspicious and paranoid feelings. In fact, being alone can increase feelings of paranoia. The anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of PTSD require support and understanding. Without intervention, fear form memories and trauma of the past will only haunt the veteran. Veterans may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, increased heart rate, and many other physical symptoms. These veterans may imagine someonme is trying to make them ill. They require a skilled clinicialn to support them when they are experiencing these symptoms. Medications may be necessary to get relief from these symptoms. Your Vet Center counselor can make the appropriate referral.
| What can I do to cope with suspiciousness and paranoia? In order to function begtter in daily olife your counselor will help you develop opositive coping skills needed to avoid letting suspiciousness or paranoia control your life. You will need to lower the stress nad triggers to agitation in your life. it is very helpful to learn relaxatoih skills and practice them. It is important to learn why you are becoming suspicious or paranoid. If the cause of unhealthy thinking is PTSD OR symptoms associated with PTSD, it is critical to gain this information, which is where insight begins. One important indicator of progress is the development of a trusting relationship with a counselor. This is called a therapeutic relationship. Your self esteem will grow as you pursue the psychotherapy process. As you have a stronger sense of self and better understand why you feel what you hfeel, the suspiciouns will faced. You must also be sure your medical health has been reviewed, so there are nomedical conditions contributing to your suspicious or paranoid thoughts. With work, support , and time, you can reconnect with health thinking. |