Topic: depression

Question: How can I be less paranoid at night?
I'm currently up paranoid about, well, everything. I can't get to sleep, and I have a feeling of being watched constantly. I have extreme depression and anxiety. I'd really like to not be this paranoid and go to bed. I've tried night lights, ambiance, and warm baths.

Answer (from Kaileen McMickle, MS, LPCLicensed Professional Counselor):
What kinds of things help you to feel safe?  I think it's great you've already tried a few things to help yourself sleep, even if they don't work.  Those methods of coping could be targeting something other than paranoia--which is maybe why you aren't finding those things are helpful.  If you are really struggling, sometimes meds can help to calm the brain a bit.  If you choose this route, make sure you give your prescribing doctor all the information about your symptoms so your meds can be as accurate as possible for what you're dealing with.If you have access, counseling could be beneficial as well.  There are more and more counselors becoming available via telehealth because of COVID, so you could even find someone to help you right in the space you feel most paranoid about (given that space is private).  Either way, talking some of those fears through could at the very least bring some insight, if not some relief.

Answer (from Sherry Katz, LCSWCouples and Family Therapist, LCSW):
Would you possibly feel less paranoid if you talk with someone at the moments you feel paranoid?    There are mental health hotlines, so maybe speaking with someone would release your fear enough so you'd fall back asleep.Also, maybe go to bed only if you're really, really tired.  This way your own body will draw your mental state into going to sleep.Do you understand why the paranoia only affects you during the night.   Usually paranoia comes when it wants to, and is not limited to nighttimes.Maybe it is only fear and anxiety, not paranoia you have.