Paranoid
Paranoid individuals are skeptical and view all phenomena and people with doubt, suspicion, and pessimism. At first, these individuals drain their own energy and then drain the energy of those around them.
Causes of Paranoia
a) Childhood period: The root of paranoia formation lies in childhood. When a child is between zero and one year old (equivalent to Erikson’s stage of trust vs. mistrust), their needs must be attended to and fulfilled. If the child’s needs are not met during this period or if the child does not receive sufficient attention and security from the mother and environment, they become prone to paranoia disorder in adulthood.
From a psychological perspective, there are two types of mothers: the good breast and the bad breast.
In the good breast, the mother cares for the child, gently strokes them while breastfeeding, considers their emotions, does not ignore the child’s needs, and immediately responds to them. She pays attention to the child’s hunger, thirst, temperature, clothing, and security.
In a good relationship, skin-to-skin contact and stroking of the newborn are very important. If these needs are met, the child will grow up with good self-esteem and self-confidence.
In the bad breast, children are often unwanted, not properly held, not stroked by the mother, and their needs for hunger, hygiene, and security are neglected. As a result, these children do not receive trust and security and become prone to many disorders in adulthood, one of which is paranoia.
Additionally, many paranoid individuals have been sexually or physically abused during childhood or have witnessed abuse.
b) Blind and pathological love:
Excessive and blind love is another cause of paranoia. A man who loves his wife excessively may involuntarily develop a negative view toward others, because he imagines that others want to separate them.
How to deal with paranoid individuals?
- Do not argue or debate with them, as they will not be convinced by reason or logic, and arguing with them is a waste of energy.
- Behave honestly with them. Paranoid individuals have suspicion and distrust because their trust was broken in childhood. If your behavior is not honest with them, you will intensify their distrust. Therefore, you should not reinforce their doubts with ambiguous behaviors and must behave sincerely and transparently.
- Ask the individual not to question you unless they have solid and reliable evidence for their suspicions. Asking multiple questions strengthens paranoia in these people.
- Become a reporter. Before they ask a question, explain everything clearly and in detail and clarify all points. By doing this, gradually they will lose interest and stop asking questions.
- Act decisively, but also consider the person and the situation.
In more severe stages, these individuals need psychotherapy and psychoanalysis for their disorder to be treated.