Anyone who has not been asleep for the past few months have good reason to be scared, or at least slightly afraid, when you think about the economic future of the United States’ and world’s economies. Unfortunately Baby Boomers are amongst those hardest hit by the results of poor oversight and little foresight. Many have lost 40 percent or more of their investments and this kind of sudden loss of wealth can lead to devastating negative effects on one’s mental health.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE PARANOIA
Paranoid personality disorder is often identified in someone who is pervasively unreasonably suspicious and distrustful of others. Their doubts are not based on anything objective or substantive and can get to the point where they are afraid to be around people for fear that they will be exploited. In some cases, they become hostile towards others and project their paranoid feelings outwards; attributing others with exploitative behaviors and failing to see their own ill emotions and actions.

These symptoms usually develop over a period of time and therefore should be analyzed based on the person’s long-term behavior – possibly from a period of time when something dramatic happened in that person’s life.

HOW TO DEAL WITH PARANOIA
The development of this problem is often a response to a feeling of anxiety and/or stress. The greater the anxiety and/or stress, the higher the level of paranoia. Dealing with the problem effectively requires patience, persistence, and oftentimes professional help.

· First, be sure that the person does indeed suffer from paranoia. Do so by checking the symptoms and consulting a professional.

· Second, if this is a loved one, work with a professional to obtain an effective medication and therapy schedule. Most people who are paranoid will not readily go to a doctor or psychotherapist as they do not trust them either. You may have to do a lot of persuasion or coercion in order to get your loved one help.

· Third, ensure that the person is surrounded by people who can be trusted. Should they have a real reason to distrust someone; it will significantly set the effects of the treatment backwards. Do not make jokes or say things that might be misconstrued.

· Fourth, exercise patience. The recovery process is slow and may have some setbacks, but keep a positive attitude and encourage the person to do the same. There is no guarantee that the person will be completely healed of paranoid behavior; but it can be greatly reduced to the point where the person can function normally in social and work situations.

In February, 2008, two researchers from Duke University discovered that dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can possibly be used to treat people with the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV)diagnosis of Paranoid Personality disorder. This therapy is in the early stage of discovery and BoomerYearbook.com will keep you up-to-date on its success.

Considering all the fraud, greed, stealing, and corruption that led to the collapse of the US and subsequently the global economy, it is not hard to see why someone who has had to suffer the consequences of other people’s unethical actions would become a bit paranoid. Putting your money under your mattress and not trusting banks may be a reasonable reaction that demonstrates our diminished confidence in the nation’s financial institutions. However, thinking that your spouse, child or neighbor is also out to do you harm is a good sign that you’re a bit more paranoid than is normal. If you find this to be true about yourself or a loved one, seek help right away before it gets worse.

Do you feel anxious about your economic future or that of the country? Share your thoughts with us at BoomerYearbook.com.