Bipolar Type II Support Group

So I have basically all the symptoms of Bipolar II, but one doesn't seem to fit/ it fits into the mania category. I am incredibly paranoid. I always look in my rearview mirror compulsively because I think the cops are chasing me, I am convinced there are hidden cameras in bathrooms and dressing rooms (which I know is irrational, but I just feel it). And some other stuff. I remember being paranoid as a young child thinking the cops wanted to arrest me or my food was being poisoned. So what is that??

You know, I have always had some paranoia and extreme protectiveness over my kids. I am always paranoid about others intentions and I always foresee the worst happening in a situation. At times it makes me very anxious and nervous and other times it just interferes with me making decisions to participate in a new activity. For my sweet children it has resulted in extreme protectiveness to a point that I don't let them do anything with high risk because I am afraid of losing them. I think that paranoia to a degree is healthy. If you are never fearful or paranoid about something happening you tend to get careless. I know I have always been this way and from a mental standpoint my only diagnosis is bp II. I hope that helps some to know you're not the only one.

Paranoia isn't necessarily linked to Mania it is often a symptom of Bipolar Disorder itself so you should just talk to your pdoc about it and how it's affecting your everyday life so they can take a look at your meds and see if they need to add to or adjust your meds in order to get you on track and more stable. It is more common than you may think so don't feel that you are alone in this. Hang in there things will get better. Hugs, Stacey

Jump, I really feel for you on this one. I used to be paranoid before I was diagnosed. Also felt that there were cameras in changing rooms, had to get home before dark otherwise there would be someone waiting for me. As a kid I thought that any face could see me, as in magazine covers, photos, so used to turn them all over when I got undressed. There couldn't even be a gap in the curtains at night because someone could see in (ok I still have that one LOL). As soon as my medication was sorted out, most of it went away. It was like extreme anxiety over unreal things which the medication took away. I no longer have the paranoia butstill believe that the toys wake up at night hugs, Bridget

Sometimes I'm paranoid about working out in my yard.

I have no privacy back there and can see six other back yards from mine. I feel like I'm on display even though I know nobody cares what I'm doing in my yard. The Seroquel & Klonopin seem to be helping with it so I'm hoping by the week end I'll be confident enough to work on the pond I'm building. Its a major project and I'm going to be spending a lot of time out there.

I think some paranoia is normal in every person out there to a degree. I find myself a little paranoid that I'm on a show like Truman Show sometimes. I know that is strange for me to think that. I also am paranoid in protecting my son from things that I think will happen to him if I'm not there with him. That one needs to go because they need to learn to grow on their own, but it's hard. I think you are just like us and it has something to do with the bipolar. Stay strong. Hugs

Post edited by: Joy75, at: 06/24/2010 07:36 AM

I'd freak if I was on the Truman Show. There are some things better left unknown, ya know?

I get paranoid as well,sometimes. I think people are looking at me strangely and all sorts of things.

Thanks, guys. Good to know I'm not alone. I just feel like my doc doesn't really know what he's doing. My main problem is the hypomania, and he just told me to increase my abilify even though I'm on 100 mg of zoloft and the abilify seems to really be helping it along and making the zoloft stronger. Now I'm just all uptight about so many things.

My hypomania gives me the same problems. I keep my curtains drawn, and I avoid going out in public during the periods of paranoia. Most of the time I think others are gossiping or talking badly of me in the office. I usually think I'm going to be fired at any second. I constantly worry that someone is going to attack me and try to kill me. I worry that I have body odor. I obsess over how I can't smell anything. I can't sleep during these racing thoughts.