Paranoia

[Everglow.]

A little over a month ago I moved into a new place with my two best friends. We're all super close, lived together before and know each other really well so I trust them a lot. I've just found that since moving in I've had some increased paranoia in specific situations and they have brought this up too. For example, if I walk into a room and they're talking or laughing, I automatically think it's because they're making fun of me. Also if I've been out of the room for a while and they haven't been, I always expect them to have done something to prank me or make me jump or make me look stupid.

There's not really any reason for me to think these things. I've asked them before if they're making fun of me and they get a bit upset with me because they say they never are, and I know that this is probably true. But I think all of this is effecting my mental health and making me feel self conscious and upset and angry at them for things they're not even doing and I don't know how to reason with myself enough that I start to believe it.

Does anyone have any advice?

[Astro04]

As you said, there's in fact no reason to think bad about you! Why they will talk about you ? There's not any reason at all, you didn't do anything wrong.

[Stacey]

Hi Hollie,
Even if you've lived with these friends before, moving in general is an incredibly stressful thing. Getting used to a new place and starting a new routine can trigger a whole host of mental health stuff for a lot of people and it's possible that yours is manifesting as paranoia and anxiety.

It may be something you want to talk through with a counsellor or therapist if it continues to be detrimental to your living situation and relationships. In the meantime, I'd focus on getting used to your new space and routine, perhaps set up schedule "hangout times" with your friends to help you feel more connected to them and settled in.