Depression and Paranoia

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-12-2004
Depression and Paranoia
6
Sat, 06-12-2004 - 11:26pm
I would like to see if anyone here suffers from depression and has experienced feelings f paranoia with it?

It has recently come to my attention that I was suffering from depression. I am attending a program of intensive psychological therapy. Another person claims to be suffering from paranoia, but she is bipolar.

Thanks for the feedback.

Donna

Avatar for legs2001
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 06-13-2004 - 8:54am
Welcome to the board. I know that sometimes depression is matched with paranoia, but not always. Maybe try the depression quiz(at the top of the page), it may have some insight. I know that when I was doing studies (a way to get free meds). It was a question that was asked.

Don't know much more. Sorry.

We do have a few folks here who are bi-polar so maybe they can give you some insight.

Good luck.

Sending hugs and good thoughts your way.

Take care,

Lisa-)

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
Sun, 06-13-2004 - 1:25pm

Welcome, Donna!

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-07-2004
Sun, 06-13-2004 - 8:18pm
Im typing you back because I also am suffering from depression, but also have noticed the paranoia you're talking about. I've been married a little over a year but 9 months after I married my husband--his National Guard Unit was activated to Kuwait and I have been by myselft ever since. My family is in a different state and I am basically by myself. Then a month ago my father had a heart attack. Things just keep adding up more and more.

To make a long story short--I've been depressed for quite awhile. But, I've noticed the paranoia more when I've had a bad day or am tired. I get paranoid that my husband isn't going to call or something is going to happen to my parents if they're not home, etc etc. I have more then once made myself go right into an anxiety attack because of this paranoia. My psychiatrist has but me on Lexapro and increased it recently to help. I have found that it does help a little but I still get paranoid from time to time.

I don't know how much this will help you but I just wanted to let you know you're not alone.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2003
Thu, 07-01-2004 - 9:40pm
Hi Donna... I'm new here, but thought this as good a place as any to start posting! I was just diagnosed with a major depressive disorder with paranoia. I've had the paranoia so long that it almost feels like the norm to me now, don't really know when it started. My paranoia comes in the form of feeling like people are constantly watching me or talking/plotting against me (sounds self centered, but really i'm not!). I also live alone, and frequently get afraid that there is someone else in the house that is there to hurt me. I end up stalking all over the house looking in closets and behind doors to make sure there is nobody there, and end up feeling like an idiot afterwards. I even have an ear-splitting security system that would warn me if someone actually did get in, so I don't know what puts that idea into my head. Pdoc put me on an antidepressant and an antipsychotic for the paranoia. I'm anxious to see how this works out... i'm really tired of feeling this way. Keep us posted on how the therapy goes!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Fri, 07-02-2004 - 9:43am
Hello and welcome to the board...

I have a form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymic disorder, I used to think that others were talking about me trying to make problems for me and like one of the other posters I am not self centered at all but I constantly thought that someone was trying to make things bad for me...since I got on meds I have been fine and I changed alot of the situations in my life so I think that has helped alot...

I wish you the best of luck with the therapy and the meds.. keep us posted on how you are doing

Erin

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Tue, 07-13-2004 - 11:50pm
Hi Donna,

I'm pretty new here too. I've been having a bit of a down period so I've been having a little struggle to participate. However, I noticed your post this evening and I wanted to tell you that I have had issues with paranoia off and on over the past few years and my diagnosis is depression. That being said, I do have a family history of bi-polar disorder and I've only seen my GP about my problem.

What I mean by paranoia is a range of things. Right after I had my daughter I had the most serious issues. I think I already posted here about this, so I'm sorry if you've read it. At the time I was convinced there was a serial killer lurking on my property and I couldn't leave windows open because I was so afraid. More recently I just find myself constantly suspecting my wonderful trustworthy husband of horrible things and intentions. And I mean I get it into my head that he must be having an affair (no evidence. zero. zilch. none) and I can't let it go until we have a big argument. Then of course there's the inevitable self-loathing and feelings of worthlessness....blah blah blah. God I hope my new meds kick in soon.............

I hope this helps a little. I'm sorry if its completely off point.

Mary