Paranoia involves intense mistrust or suspicion of others, often without clear evidence. People may feel watched, threatened, or targeted. While mild paranoid thoughts are common under stress, persistent or distressing paranoia may indicate a mental health condition.
“I knew it didn’t quite make sense—but the feeling was real. I couldn’t shake the thought that people were out to get me.”
Paranoia can range from mild suspicious thoughts to fixed, distressing beliefs about being watched, harmed, or conspired against. Paranoia can lead people to withdraw from others, feel unsafe in public, or become convinced others are judging or controlling them. This can occur in isolation or as part of conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, paranoid personality disorder, PTSD, or substance-related disorders.
Some people recognise their suspicions as exaggerated but still feel deeply anxious or mistrustful. Others may firmly believe their fears are justified, making support more difficult to access. Paranoia can be triggered or worsened by stress, trauma, sleep deprivation, or substance use. Over time, it can lead to loneliness, conflict, and significant emotional suffering.
“Helping patients feel safe enough to explore their fears is key. Once trust is built, it’s possible to reduce the fear—and restore connection.”
At Bloomfield Health, we take a compassionate, non-judgemental approach to paranoia. Our clinicians begin with a thorough assessment to understand what you’re experiencing and whether it’s linked to an underlying mental health condition. We offer cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp), trauma-informed cognitive behavioural therapy, and medication where appropriate. Treatment focuses on building trust, improving reality-testing, and reducing distress. We aim to help you feel safer—both in yourself and in the world around you.
Paranoia can be a feature of psychosis, but it also occurs in anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, or in isolation.
Yes. Stress, sleep deprivation, and trauma can all trigger paranoid thoughts—even in people without a mental illness.
Sometimes. Some recognise their thoughts as irrational; others are firmly convinced. We support both with care and respect.
CBT for psychosis and trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy can reduce paranoia and improve insight, confidence, and social connection.
No. We work collaboratively. Medication can help in some cases, but it’s not mandatory.
Paranoia can cause distress and isolation, but is not inherently dangerous. If safety is at risk, we support you calmly and non-judgementally.
We often see this. Trauma-informed or trauma-focussed therapy can help address the root of these fears and build a sense of safety.
With the right support, many people experience a significant reduction in paranoia and learn to live more confidently and peacefully.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
