Understanding paranoia: what makes people feel mistrustful and how to feel safer
Rearview, Aaron Goodwin
Understanding paranoia: what makes us feel mistrustful and how we can feel safer
Have you ever felt like you couldn’t trust people or worried that someone or something might be out to get you? These feelings, while uncomfortable, are surprisingly common. In fact, a lot of people experience them from time to time. A recent study by Daniel Freeman and Bao Sheng Loe explored why these thoughts happen, what makes them stronger, and how we can learn to feel safer.
What the study found
The researchers looked at how common mistrust and paranoia are in everyday life. Here are some key findings:
1 in 4 people said they don’t trust others much.
About 5–8% of people experience very strong paranoia, where they believe things that are unlikely to be true, like thinking others can read all of their thoughts.
Interestingly, the study found that many people with paranoid thoughts know their fears aren’t fully real but still feel them. This suggests that they are imagining threats, not reacting to immediate danger.
Why do people feel this way?
The study found that many things can make paranoia stronger, like:
Bad past experiences: Being bullied, mistreated as a child, or treated unfairly can make it harder to trust others.
Negative thoughts about yourself: Feeling like you’re not good enough or imagining bad things happening can make the world feel scarier.
Avoiding people or situations: Staying away from others might feel safer, but it keeps people from learning that most others can be trusted.
Stress and worry: Problems like anxiety, sleeplessness, and constantly worrying can make these feelings worse.
What can help?
The good news is that there are ways to reduce paranoia and help yourself feel safer. The study suggests focusing on:
Building trust: Gradually learning how to trust others little by little.
Boosting confidence: Helping people think better about themselves and their ability to handle challenges.
Facing fears: Gradually showing yourself that social situations aren’t as dangerous as they might think.
Reducing stress: Improving sleep, managing anxiety, and lowering stress can all help calm paranoid feelings.
Why this matters
This study is important because it shows that paranoia is much more common than most people think. It can affect anyone. By understanding why people feel this way, we can help more people live happier, less fearful lives.
Feeling mistrustful or paranoid is tough, but it’s something that can improve. Whether it’s talking to someone about your worries, practicing self-care, or learning to face your fears, there are many ways to start feeling safer and more confident.
Let’s remember that building trust and kindness—both for ourselves and others—can make a big difference.