Can a small amount of paranoia be a good thing?

Answer 1

YES and NO. Paranoia is not a mental illness or crazy thinking, but a defense mechanism, which most everyone will experience at some point in his or her life. Such paranoid point of view develops when the need to protect one-self (emotionally or physically) is so strong.

In such instance, a small amount of paranoia, for a short duration, can be a good thing. However, ideally, we’d be best equipped so as not to assume such a defensive position to warrant any paranoia—understandably, we are human...hence such is not always possible.

The problem with defense mechanisms arises when they are over utilized no matter how small. Not only do they become ineffective, but moreover detrimental. Take automobile retractable side-view mirrors—this is a small innovative defense mechanism, which helps prevent body damage. But what would happen if those side-view mirrors were always in defensive mode (folded in)?

Answer 2

A small amount is probably a good thing when it keeps you from doing things you shouldn't do, but when paranoia starts to overtake your life and make you second-guess and even triple-guess nearly everything you do, that's when it becomes a problem.

Answer 3

Perhaps not paranoia, but....
I remember a friend telling me that she wanted to raise her son to be "fearless."
I have always wondered why being "fearless" is seen as a good thing. We have the ability to experience fear for very good reasons, and I told my friend that part of the job of a good parent is to teach a child reasonable fears.
You know, how not to get killed or maimed.
Awareness of danger and alertness to it's sudden appearance, are life-saving, in fact.
I would not want to see fear become the governing influence in anyone's life, but a small amount is a positive.

Answer 4

No, paranoia is excessive or irrational suspiciounes. Having that would make you a bit crazy. Now having a fair amount of being alert to the dangers around you, that would be normal.

Answer 5

no paranoia is bad thing. if you ask is it good to be a little cautious. in new situations thats ok. i had a nervous breakdown when i was 21from snorting cocaine. they diognosed me as a paranoid schitzophernic . it was awful. you do not realize how important your brain is until it screws up on you.so i say paranoia is not a word you should just toss around. try a word that does not imply mental illness

Answer 6

Yes, if you really want to know where you stand, for instance at your job, be in a room for a while with others, leave, then stand outside the door for about 5 minutes and more than likely you may hear yourself mentioned and you will get what they are too pu$$y to say to your face. It is up to you whether you can take it longer than five minutes.

Answer 7

I think when one says paranoia we unintentionally think they are "irrational" ... This is not the case. We have senses that are picking up on all sorts of cues, verbal and non verbal, that attune our senses making us feel paranoid. I would call this intuition.
This keeps us on our toes and alert to something that might be happening. Defense mechanism, inherent trait, whatever you want to call it, it isn't a bad thing! :)

Answer 8

Well, before I get to answering your question I have to say WELCOME BACK. Glad you decided to join us again! I certainly hope this question isn't tied in with your last.

I would have to say no that it is not a good thing. A small amount of fear is a good thing, but being paranoid about things just holds you back and the thought's aren't real rational.

Answer 9

A wise person ( I wish I knew who it was ) once said , " Paranoia is just a heightened sense of reality".

Answer 10

Trixie's right, almost exactly what I was going to say. If a proto-human walked merrily into a cave instead of scoping out the scene, he might soon be dead.