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Employment, education and training

Paranoia at work

Sandwich Casual Contributor

Paranoia at work

Looking for some advice.... I have diagnosed schizophrenia but symptoms have been completely managed by meds and relatively low stress lifestyle for over 20 years. I recently started a new job - 27 hours per week - it's a nice environment in community development, however after all these years, I'm having symptoms resurface, specifically, paranoid thoughts that people in the workplace are all talking about me constantly. It's causing me a lot of anxiety, even though at the core I do like the job. Do I quit the job, to return to a lower stress lifestyle of family / domestic life (and feel a bit bored and unstimulated) or keep at the job? I have consulted my psychiatrist who has put me up on meds for the first time in decades, hasn't helped so far. Feeling torn. 😞

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In response to: Paranoia at work

Macey Senior Contributor

Re: Paranoia at work

Hi @Sandwich and this sounds a difficult situation of feelings.

I don't think anyone can tell you what to do with your life it's your life to make as good as you are able. I still wonder if you could try testing these intrusive thoughts as they arise ? And if you think affirming the reality of these moments would help like, when paranoia thoughts arise but instead you reinforce something positive with yourself like "I like being here" or "I'm doing a good job right now" ?

Coz maybe it's a matter of overcoming detriment thinking with secure sovereign reminders that you are master of your feelings and even if feelings come with trouble thoughts, you can open a window and let them keep on going right on out of your beautiful space..

That's what I do with house flies.

I'm just wondering

In response to: Paranoia at work

tyme Moderator

Re: Paranoia at work

How have things been for you @Sandwich ?

In response to: Re: Paranoia at work

Sandwich Casual Contributor

Re: Paranoia at work

Thank you so much for checking in @tyme. I told my work I was having sleepless nights and have exhaustion and they kindly allowed me 10 days off before the summer breaks. Now I need to ponder whether I stay or go over the break. I feel much better not in the job. Perhaps it's too many hours, too much for my little fragile soul.

In response to: Re: Paranoia at work

tyme Moderator

Re: Paranoia at work

It's important to do what's right for you @Sandwich . Whilst not working can help you recover, sometimes work can bring routine and accountability.

Perhaps the work-rest balance needs to be modified?

Please take care and look after yourself.

In response to: Re: Paranoia at work

Sandwich Casual Contributor

Re: Paranoia at work

You're very right @tyme.... This is exactly what I think needs to be amended - the balance. Thank you for the reminder and investing a comment to help a stranger. It means alot!

In response to: Re: Paranoia at work

tyme Moderator

Re: Paranoia at work

Any time @Sandwich ,

We all deserve it. Sometimes, people just need a little nudge in the right direction.

All the best with it my friend!

In response to: Paranoia at work

Sandwich Casual Contributor

Re: Paranoia at work

Hello to whoever is reading. Firstly, just wanted to really thank the contributors @tyme and @macey for their very poignant comments on my posts almost 2 years ago. I find myself in a new job in 2026 now and experiencing the same symptoms from my first post. Something about the stress of work and always having to perform and be "on" that triggers paranoia in me. When I am not working, I am happy in my little bubble and don't have any psychotic symptoms, but I also get bored not having a purpose outside the home. It's a big conundrum because I do want to contribute to society and be part of the world. I just asked my new workplace whether I could cut back a day and they accepted so I will see if I have enough rest time during the week to recover from the stress of my paranoid thoughts. I just wanted to put this out there in case anyone else experiences similar symptoms and also seek some advice / tips for what people do when they feel like people are talking about them / conspiring against them? I find myself feeling like I've done something hugely wrong and everyone at work is talking about me.

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