Could I be imagining things?!


Question: I have a history of clinical depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I also have self-esteem issues, because I was often verbally bullied when I was younger. Often when I talk to someone, after I turn my back after the conversation, I could swear that I hear them saying bad things about me from afar! And yes, this occurs even if the interaction was (or seemed to be) positive. I know that I was once told by a therapist that I have paranoid tendencies, so is it just possible that I'm IMAGINING that people are putting me down behind my back?


Answers: I have a history of clinical depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I also have self-esteem issues, because I was often verbally bullied when I was younger. Often when I talk to someone, after I turn my back after the conversation, I could swear that I hear them saying bad things about me from afar! And yes, this occurs even if the interaction was (or seemed to be) positive. I know that I was once told by a therapist that I have paranoid tendencies, so is it just possible that I'm IMAGINING that people are putting me down behind my back?

it's hard to say..you could be right or you could very well be paranoid. all I can say is forget about other people...they don't reeeally matter, do they? I had social anxiety disorder as a teenager and my therapist gave me a task..that I did not do, btw, but I tried it later on. The task is to go somewhere public and put a band-aid somewhere where people can see it. see how it feels...then you can laugh about it later. In my own rendition, I put a sticker on my forehead...EVERYONE talked to me with a smiling face but no one said anything...I found it so hard not to laugh out loud because I KNEW what they thought..didnt have to guess. It made me somewhat nervous but it was exciting too. I'd try that if I were you. try taking some paxil...if you dont now...it works WONDERS!!

i sometimes have this same problem. I think to an extent this is common, but you didn't really ask a question. sounded like your therapist answered it for you.

Please read up on Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I am not calling you a narcissist in the pejorative sense. It's just that if you read a profile of someone with the disorder it sounds like you may fit the bill.
Being bullied fits the profile, as does depression and self-esteem issues, as well as feeling that other people are out to get you. Ask yourself, do you have any close friends? Do you need other people around you to validate you constantly and tell you how great you are? Do you tell the truth about your achievements, or do you stretch it a bit?
Sometimes a narcissist can look like they have ADHD because they truly don't take any interest in what other people do. This, along with a sense of entitlement, can lead to social problems also.
Perception is reality for you, and it is a real problem for you if you are feeling the effects of it. I doubt very much that people are really putting you down behind your back. Try to find a therapist that specializes in personality disorders. Read up on the web about NPD. Sam Vankin is a sufferer who has written extensively.

It's normal for people to think other people are talking behind their backs. Your only doing it because of your self-esteem issues. Try giving people the benefit of the doubt. My sister had this problem in high school she said the worst thing she ever did was, "I'd go to Becky and say I heard Julie talking bad about me right after I just talked to her." doing things like that start fights and lot of tension.

Good luck!

as long as your not being bullied anymore and that situation has ended, then it will take years for you to get over it. i had a similiar situation and it does subside, but you should also be on meds. and learn to like yourself, find someone who likes you for being you and there is plenty of hope for you....

Can you enter more information, like what words do you hear from them? and are you older than your therapist?





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