There are steps you might take to be less paranoid in a relationship.
Do you check your partners phone when theyre sleeping?
Are you worried that their relationship with a coworker is more than it seems?
Thianchai sitthikongsak / Getty Images
Do you call them to check up on them when theyre out?
Do you think theyre lying to you about money?
Do you find yourself picking a fight every time your partner meets up with a friend?
These are some signs of relationshipparanoia.
What Is Relationship Paranoia?
Paranoia was originally a term used to describe psychosis, a feature of mental health conditions like schizophrenia.
Is Paranoia a Mental Health Symptom?
If you think you are having symptoms of psychosis, you should probably seek medical care right away.
Below, well unpack some of the causes of relationship paranoia.
Trust Violations
Sometimes, people in relationships start to feel paranoid for a specific reason.
Is Paranoia in a Relationship Ever Helpful?
You may wonder if you should ever “trust your instincts” about paranoid thoughts.
Below, Dr. Romanoff outlines how paranoia can affect your relationship.
Your bodys physiological response to stress is to release stress hormones that prepare your body to eitherfight or flight.
Over time, they may become exasperated when you repeatedly accuse them of lying and violating your trust.
If they step trying to offer reassurance, however, it may make you feel even more paranoid.
Pretty soon, yo may both feel like you’re trapped in a vicious cycle.
Effect on Your Relationship
Paranoia stems from a core problem in your relationship: you don’ttrustyour partner.
Over time, that lack of trust will break down your relationship.
You may constantlyfeel like they are cheatingon you, lying to you, or trying to harm you.
Your feelings could be valid if your partner has violated your trust and given you cause to mistrust them.
Raihani NJ, Bell V.An evolutionary perspective on paranoia.Nat Hum Behav.
2019;3(2):114-121. doi:10.1038/s41562-018-0495-0
PTSD UK.Hypervigilance and PTSD.
Published online 2019. doi:https://hdl.handle.net/1842/36609
Mind UK.Paranoia.
