Anxiety-Paranoia.

[SumatimeSadness]

Hey there, Hi, Hello, 

Something different is going on. 

The last 12 months have seen Peri menopause, surgery, swapping medication [edited by moderator], the euthanasia of my dog and heavy grief, I got Covid for the first time, and now a change in my mental health. 

I’m not sure how to tell if it’s a worsening of anxiety or I’ve stepped over into paranoia?

I’m scared to take this to the professionals, wondering what they might want to do about it. 

I have CPTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety and BPD, so those constant worries that kinda seem like paranoia have always existed, but something is different now, stronger. 

I have outside issues, like my neighbours giving me a hard time and I question whether they poisoned my dog. 
But my head keeps telling me different things every day, yes I’m being paranoid or yes they probably killed your dog. I feel upside down. 

I guess I’m looking for those of you that have experience in this area, and ask if you could share some insights please? 

[tyme]

Hey @SumatimeSadness 

Welcome to the forums! Thank you for sharing a little about what you're experiencing at the moment.

I'll tag a few members in to see if they can offer any insights 

@Oaktree @Shaz51 @Glisten @PeppiPatty 

[Oaktree]

Hi @SumatimeSadness 

Welcome to the forums.

I don’t have any insight to offer except that it sounds like you have had a lot going on. Maybe you are in a state of overwhelm? Sorry about your dog, it is totally understandable to feel a lot of grief. Dogs are a huge part of out families.

[Dimity]

Hi @SumatimeSadness 

Hearing you. 

I have cptsd depression and a diagnosis that morphed from schizophrenia to BPD to bipolar affective disorder.  I've had episodes of paranoia and psychosis.

I'm really sorry to hear about the death of your dog and that you think they might have been poisoned by neighbours.  Are there other worries you're not sure about?

For me it's of concern when I have trouble choosing between interpretations but usually there's also more going on. Like sleep disturbances, fractured routines, not eating properly,  feeling unsettled or agitated or particularly sad or angry, and a feeling of being highly stressed. I have an agreement with my psychiatrist I can take extra meds when I feel I need to, and I try to reach out if it gets worse. I guess I make an effort to get back to my routines too.

Thinking back, do you remember what the vet's opinion was on your dog? I can sometimes do a reality check by rethinking the evidence. 

🫂 Hugs. Sometimes reassurance is what we need. Hope you're getting lots from family/friends/treating team and now people in the forums.

[Angeltree]

Don’t have stigma go to your Gp bring up the mental health issues for assessment and see what your options for treatment are / sometimes we need expert health 

referrals.

there is no shame in going to a Community Mentsl Health team at your local area health service.

best wishes 

[SumatimeSadness]

Thanks Oaktree, overwhelmed definitely fits. 
The house can get pretty quiet these days without my dog here, the silence itself can be overwhelming. I’m trying to keep some music on to break through it.  
Hope your day hasn’t been terrible. 

[SumatimeSadness]

Thank you tyme. 

[SumatimeSadness]

Thanks for your time Dimity. I hope you’re doing well today. 

I’ve had some concerns with two of my relationships, thinking they were angry\avoiding me, just more intense than “normal”  fear of abandonment stuff & my usual tools/distractions not working as well.

There has been some new sleep disturbances, broken routines, eating changes, feeling stressed, bigger anxiety symptoms, struggling to concentrate. 
When you say choosing between interpretations, do you mean being able to tell what is reality? Does paranoia only come with a psychotic break?

Unfortunately, the initial blood results at the vets were inconclusive but the presentation on X-ray was either cancer or poisoning. I feel this information is not helpful at this point, I just keep swinging between the two options. 

I don’t have family close by, live a pretty isolated life, hence why I found myself here. 

Appreciate your input. 

[tyme]

How are you going @SumatimeSadness ?

[SumatimeSadness]

Two steps forward, three hundred steps back…
Dramatic I know, things just feel that way at the moment.
I contacted a local Mental Health service, unfortunately I’m not eligible blah blah blah.
I’ve made a Drs appointment, wait is 3 weeks. I’m also looking for a new psychologist.
Trying to keep calm and not make any big decisions until then.


Thanks for checking in