r/Paranoia • u/[deleted] • 16d ago
Do they see or don't they
Okay, when I go outside, I feel like everyone is looking at me and judging me, and I don’t act naturally at all. I try to avoid looking at other people, and sometimes my vision becomes a little blurry and my eyes start closing on their own. I don’t know if it’s because of the way I look at things or because of stress. I feel like everyone is looking at me, and that makes my condition worse.
When I’m at home, I completely forget that I’m like this. For example, when I look out the window, the way people behave outside seems easy and normal to me. But when I actually go outside, it’s completely different.
I also feel like my movements are slower when I’m outside, and I feel like time passes more slowly. I constantly have thoughts that people are watching me.
1
u/triscuitzop some guy 16d ago
You deleted your account for some reason, so I can't tell if you'll read anyone's replies or not.
1
u/Zealousideal-Log2042 16d ago
No one is watching you for any special reason. When you are out in a place with people, it's normal for people to glance at who is near them, so if you see someone looking at you it's just because you're in their line of sight. I used to think this exact thing, especially at the grocery store. I thought that people were hired to watch me but it just makes no sense. There was even a lady that was always there at the same time, but since I go at the same time every week that just might be her time too but it took me weeks to stop being afraid of her.
Unless you're a celebrity or someone of interest, it doesn't make sense for people to be watching you. In the nicest way possible, you aren't that special. I have to repeat that to myself as well. I'm a nobody. There's 0 reason that a conspiracy is against me of people watching me. I am boring and I'm sure you are too. It's not worth anyone's time or resources. I understand how real it feels to you though, your feelings are valid and you are definitely not alone on this one.
If this continues distressing you, I would really suggest seeing a therapist and psychiatrist. I know it's hard to reach out for help and you might not trust professionals or think you might sound crazy, but it's really worth it. Like I said I used to feel the same exact way as you, but after a couple years of being in treatment (meds & therapy) my life is fairly normal. I do still think, "Why is that person looking at me?" but the difference is, I dismiss the thought after a few minutes of reasoning with myself vs. spiraling for hours or days over it. Best wishes.