Why Do I Distrust Others?

Do you suspect, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving you?

Are you preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates?

Are you reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against you?

Do you read hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events?

Do you persistently bear grudges (i.e., unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights)?

Do you perceive attacks on your character or reputation that are not apparent to others and are you quick to react angrily or to counterattack?

Do you have recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a significant problem with distrusting others. Nowadays, it’s becoming more and more difficult to remain trusting and open to life. We are living in a world of uncertainty, divorce, and disrupted relationships. Luckily, most of us have several friends and family members we can rely on and where we can be ourselves. However, sometimes even here things can get difficult. There is nothing wrong with distrusting others, it’s simply part of our survival. But when the distrust is so intense that it controls your life, it’s not healthy anymore and may lead to a paranoid personality disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have a significant problem with distrusting other persons, you are displaying some signs related to it. It happens to all of us: distrusting a person without really knowing him well. It’s a mechanism for survival. However, distrusting everything and everyone around us for fear of making a mistake will hold us back from living a satisfying life. People who suffer from paranoid personality disorder have a long-standing pattern of distrust and suspiciousness of others. They will almost always think that other people’s motives are suspect or even hateful. It may be helpful to discuss your feelings with your doctor.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have paranoid personality disorder. Psychotherapy can help you to learn how to better communicate with other persons and to get rid of the feelings of paranoia. Sometimes, medications can be helpful too. Patients who follow their recommended treatment plans can lead a normal life, with a job and healthy relationships. However, symptoms will continue to exist, but with the right support and care they can be managed. Symptoms of mistrust are also seen in people who suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or depressive disorder. It may be important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.