Article: When you're around your friend or family member, model positive thinking and optimism for them. Offer to help them come up with some mantras or affirmations to use when they start to feel paranoid. For instance, the person might find it helpful to repeat something like, "Everyone is too busy worrying about themselves to think about me," or "Even though I feel scared, I'm not really in danger." Encourage the person to write down the mantra and keep it with them so they can read it when they need it. Invite the person to share their thoughts with you or someone else they trust if they need a reality check. Encourage them to give people the benefit of the doubt if they aren't sure about someone's intentions towards them. This strategy works best for people with mild paranoia who can accept that their judgment is sometimes unsound. Severely paranoid people may not be willing to ask for other people's perspectives. A healthy lifestyle can make mental health issues easier to manage. Help your friend or family member find ways to cut down on stress, get enough rest, and maintain good diet and exercise habits. For example, including physical activity as a part of their daily routine can help improve their mood and boost cognitive functioning that may be impaired with paranoia. Many people with paranoia-related issues have unique talents or a successful career. Recognize the areas where your friend or family member shines, and encourage them to keep doing things they enjoy and are good at. Let's say your friend is really creative. You might encourage them to submit their artwork to a local art contest to keep them occupied and focus on positive activities. If your friend or family member has an illness like schizophrenia, help them come up with an emergency plan when they're stable. Gather important contact information like their doctor's phone number, and discuss who will take care of any children or pets they have if they are hospitalized. Have the person keep this information with them at all times, such as written on a card or on a piece of paper.

What is a summary?
Help the person maintain a positive state of mind. Help the person put their paranoid thoughts into perspective. Encourage the person to adopt balanced habits. Encourage the person to contribute in areas of life where they excel. Prepare for crisis situations.