Paranoia

[tdawg]

Since starting law school, I have experienced something that I have never really experienced before in my life. Extreme paranoia. Every time I am in a room occupied by a large number of people and I hear somebody laugh or do something indicating that they are making fun of somebody/something, I assume that they are talking about me. I know this is probably not the case after the fact simply by how ridiculous it sounds. However in the moment I just cant help it. I dont know if I should see a therapist, or if fixing the cause of my insecurity would be the better course of action.

[jawless]

I've suffered with this in the past, as well as social anxiety mainly caused by appearance. I've never had therapy because I don't believe in it. To get anything out of cbt you have to alter your whole mindset and condition yourself to believe that all negative thoughts are misguided and incorrect. I'm too realistic for this. I know what my problems are, my looks.

I don't know how old you are, but if you are in your twenties I would say maybe try therapy for a few years. If you are older than thirty five then you don't have much time to sort you issues out before you get old. You might as well do it, and then you won't have any regrets when you are fifty and wondering about the life you could have had.

[tdawg]

That is the thing, I dont believe that I look that bad. The only insecurity I have is a slight open bite. More specifically the slight lip incompetence resulting from it. That is why I am kind of baffled as to why this is happening now all of a sudden.

[x]

I have this as well I think, I just chalk it up to depression manifested in insecurity about my looks. There's good days and days where I don't want to even venture outside.


Dunno if jaw surgery will help, I guess that depends on what the final results would look like.

[Kristen]

i learned a long time ago people care more about themselves than you. unless you really stand out - and it doesn't seem like you do based on your self-assessment - this dare i say, might be in your head?

i mean, law school isn't junior high. these are legit, able-bodied full grown adults here. just a thought.

That is so true!   Most people are just worried about their own problems or insecurities.   Unless they have jaw issues too most would never zero in on it.   Never point out your perceived flaws to people.   Confidence goes along way in making a person overall attractive in my opinion.   But not conceded or cocky....that is unattractive to me.

[trigeminalneuralgia]

i have always been paranoid

i think i DO stand out tho but it's bc im a tall redhead

now my hair is turning brown so hopefully that helps