Am I being paranoid or is he stalking me?

Question

I see a person that looks the same a lot of places I go. I don't know whether he is the same person or just a very common type. I am not in harm but one time I was followed up the street by someone that looks like him. I often see someone that looks like him drive past my place and places I hang out. I know I am being paranoid but I get the feeling this person thinks they know me or wants to know me. I have dreams of this person and know I am in almost obsessed. They are a real person I have seen and heard of. Is this part of the crush, or part of a mental illness or actually happening.

Answer 1

Mental illness...

You're suffering from what's known as a "paranoid delusion..."

Not the kind you see in the movies...it's very real to the person it's happening to...You created this "person" by thinking so much about it, it has become so "real" in your mind, the image and interaction of it has spilled out into your waking reality...The more you think about this "person," the more it will appear in your waking life...

The good news is...the delusion you created, you can also destroy...

But only by reversing the process...after reading my answer, you must strive to convince yourself this "person" is a delusion, and begin to ignore its presence, and focus on NOT thinking about it, even when you see it out of the corner of your mind...until finally you have almost completely put the thought out of your mind...as you do this, you'll start to notice this "person" is showing up less and less in your waking state...the following will stop, the driving by will stop, and your dreams of this "person" will stop...

But also seek qualified medical treatment...what you're describing is a mild form of "schizophrenia..." (NOT multiple personalities...this is different...you're brain has created a "delusional character..."

Watch the movie "A Beautiful Mind..." The same thing happened to Russel Crowe's character...he started perceiving his own delusions as "real" people...That's what you're doing...(at least from the information you've given me...that's my best guess...best to see someone trained professionally in that area...I'm an amateur just passing on my suspicions...the doctors have tests that can confirm it...)

Answer 2

I think next time you see him (assuming it is a safe place) you should go right up to him, look him right up to his face. Ask him the time or directions to somewhere. This will have several benefits:

1) If he is stalking you he knows he's been busted and that you can now recognise him in a line up so he is likely to stop, or at least less likely to hurt you 'cos you can identify him.

2) If he is stalking you, you will see him panic when you come up to him. You will see that he is the same person next time you come up to him.

3) If it's a crush you can ask yourself- Do I want to ask him out now? Do I think he's cute? Is my heart all happy pitter-pattery. Is he scarey?

4) If it is just delusion/paranoia, when you go up to him the second time you will see he is a different person each time and can relax.

5) The second time you come up to him, based on what you decide from above, you can either ask him out, tell him to stop following you, call the police or apologise and book yourself into some therapy.

Answer 3

Is this a rare occasion or have you felt this freaked out about a lot of other things?Can u write down his plate #? If this guy's always in a different car ur prob imaging it.Try to totally analyze his face if u get close enough to him and see if there's anything special that u can use to identify him again. Not 2 be rude but r u depressed or prone to severe anxiety? If so, this is prob unreal even though it feels like it is and I would seek therapy.If u see him in a crowded area I'd approach him and really get a good look at him close up.This would also help because if he starts walking away then he prob is slimy.

Answer 4

theres no deffinite answer. depends on the situation, condition, and state of mind. many thing has to be put in consideration, so honestly no one here will prolly have the deffinite correct answer for you. If it is the same guy time after time....you should prolly stay away from him.....followin you around not saying anything, yes, thats stalking. you prolly dont wanna hook up with anyone like that anyways. That leads me to the fact that people, usualy females get into trouble when they think they are not in harm. so please be careful of what you do. To be on the safe side you should prolly adopt the buddy system. Be with a friend as oftain as possible, at least till this crazy dudes face stops poppin up in your rear view mirror.

Answer 5

It could be either.
For now I would simply write his name.
I would write down every time I see him, the location, the date, the time, and what was his behavior (what did he say and what did you say).

You need the document everything, so that if you go to the police, you would have a paper trial to stand on. I know from personal experience.

He might be stalking you to drive you insane which my ex-finance did to me (He worked as a lawyer for the police.) My life went through pure hell with the police and the justice system because he was furious that I wouldn't take him back when he cheated on me.

Answer 6

I would find a way to "accidentally" talk to this person. Find a way to start a conversation with him, maybe ask for directions then take it a little further. Make sure you are in a public place surrounded by people though. As you speak to him, look at his face carefully and make sure you get a good mental image so that after that conversation, you'll know for sure if it's him you see somewhere else. By having this brief conversation after "running into him", you may figure out if he sounds crazy or has bad intentions or if he just has a very similar schedule to yours. It will either ease your fears or let you know that you need to report him to the police.

Answer 7

You may be in more danger than you think. Especially the way things are nowadays. Always be careful, and don't second judge your gut instincts, because most often they are right. I'm not trying to scare you, just telling you to be aware. If you have a video camera maybe you can secretly tape this man, and file stalking charges on him. If your friends notice him, you are definitaly not just being paranoid. Your dreams about this man may be in your subconscious mind, if your thinking about him alot that may cause you to be dreaming about him. Hope I helped you in some way.

Answer 8

I am not sure- but you are smart to be on guard and to be cautious because you just never know these days. If ever you confirm these beliefs (and do not let them rule your life though) go to the police and file a report. Also, if you are to go out at night- make sure someone knows where you are at all times and when to expect you back. Hopefully you will feel safe again soon. That must be an aweful feeling.

Answer 9

Hey ,
Well i think most of the people are like that , well he might like u but scared to talk to you , when his falling u in place where people are around say hi to him and y are u stalking me, then he wont try anything stupid too in the corowd

Good Luck

Answer 10

uhmm.. have you had an emotional problem lately? i think there's something bothering you lately.. maybe your just paranoid of some sort.. hmm.. when paranoia hits you there's this tendency that everyone around you seems to look the same or familiar.. just be careful k? maybe also its just a case of the common face.. careful