How do you convince someone that she is paranoid and has a distorted sense of reality?

Question

and not in a good way!
It's my sister in law, she twists and analyses everything that everyone says. For example, last week my wife wanted to give her a coat and asked her if it was "big enough to move around in." And she took it to mean that we wanted her to move out of her house! -- Also, when I was at her house I was reading some National Geographic magazines, one with the cover that said 'Love' and the other said 'Sea Monsters' and she starting fighting with everyone because she thought I wanted her to "fall in love with a sea monster." Huh??? It's like this all the time. She imagines radio stations playing songs to tell her messages, license plates on cars that cut her off with hidden meanings, and also that we are out to get her. We tried to tell her that something's wrong with her, but she thinks we're the ones who are crazy! Ugh! Have you met anyone like this and what did you do about it?

Answer 1

Something is definitely wrong! We just heard on the news about 2 weeks ago that a women stabbed her two young children to death...because she heard voices that told her to do this! Not that your sis-in-law would do that...but she definitely is battling with demons..and that is definitely deep depression or some kind of disorder whether it be bi-polar or schizo effective mixed with schizophrenia. Has she been like this for a long time? Usually shows up in your teens. Oh well if someone cares and loves her she needs their help. She has very distorted thoughts. My son dated a girl similar to this but way worse...she did a lot of ecstasy but also was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and manic-depression a beautiful girl and what a shame. I think the drugs damaged her brain permanently. Good luck and get her some help a.s.a.p!

Answer 2

In fact I have. Post partum depression produces symptoms like this. Has your sister in law given birth within the past year or so? If not she sounds paranoid and should seek treatment. This symptom is readily treated so I would convince her to seek therapy. In the meantime try to understand that she is having difficulties with some aspect of her life and try not to antagonize her or exploit her paranoia, which could make things worse. Most people wouldn't dream of such a thing, but then there are many people who wish only to add more harm to an already hurtful situation. Then there are some who do so without intention. I wish you and your family the best. God bless...

Answer 3

I remember these symptoms from my psych classes, but I don't remember the diagnosis.

It would be good to have her evaluated. Maybe you could ask her for support while you have yourself checked and see if she thinks you are crazy enough to be worthy of that kind of support.

I'm sorry you are going through this... She doesn't mean to do this, but the wires are crossed.

Good luck

Answer 4

It's called Psychosis & she should be taken to see a doctor asap...before it gets any worse. You really don't want to witness any more symptoms than what she already has...she is a danger to herself and others in this condition.

Answer 5

Suggest that she seeks professional help and maybe you’ll can have group sessions.