PARANOIA DEFINITION:Excessive or illogical suspicion and/or distrust of others PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Flinching and startling easily Clenching the jaw Darting eye movements; a wide-eyed look Adopting excessive safety precautions (extra locks, guard dogs, video surveillance, etc.) Fidgety hands that won’t settle Restless sleep or insomnia Backing away with raised hands Eyes that don’t seem to blink often enough Crossing the arms tightly over the chest Muttering under one’s breath; talking to oneself Scratching compulsively Sweating Bloodshot eyes Scouting for exits when entering a room A heightened need for personal distance Dependency on caffeinated beverages or drugs to stay alert Pallid skin from lack of sunlight A rumpled appearance Accusing innocent people of planning or carrying out mischief Facial tics; muscles that jump A quick, erratic pace Always looking over the shoulder or around the next corner Plucking at clothing as if it chafes Aligning with fringe groups and conspiracy theorists Espousing far-out beliefs and opinions Becoming easily offended; jumping to the defensive Verbally attacking any perceived opponents Spouting inane or irrational arguments Citing unreliable sources Stubbornly adhering to one’s beliefs no matter how outlandish they are Perfectionist tendencies Compulsive behaviors Refusing food or drink prepared by others INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Fatigue Muscles that are always tense, ready to fight or run Sensitivity to touch and sound A racing heartbeat Raw nerves and skin A high adrenaline level; jumpiness MENTAL RESPONSES: Seeing danger symbols in everything Judging too quickly Believing that others always have a hidden agenda or motive A heightened sense of self-importance Irrational responses; jumping to illogical conclusions Mental fatigue from not getting enough sleep An inability to connect with others due to a lack of trust Always seeing the worst-case scenario Negative thought patterns Feeling watched or followed The belief that everyone else is deluded Adhering to superstitious beliefs to stay safe ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Contacting the authorities for help against suspected assailants An inability to maintain long-term relationships Isolation Living off the grid The belief that one is no longer required to live by the laws of society A complete break with reality Hallucinations and delusions Rage Anxiety attacks, phobias, and/or psychosis SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Avoidance of social situations Attempting to engage socially but with wary and darting eyes Agreeing with everything to seem part of the group Watching others and mimicking them as a way of appearing normal A smile that is frozen or manic A high voice or odd laugh Using medicine or seeking therapy MAY ESCALATE TO:Fear,Obsessed,Anger,Rage,Hatred,Desperation MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Skepticism,Scorn,Unease,Wariness ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Analyze, argue, bolt, challenge contradict, dart, fixate, flinch jerk, jump, obsess, peer pry, race, scuttle, shudder snap, snoop, sprint, start twitch WRITER’S TIP:In dialogue, it’s not always what a character says that’s important, it’s how they say it. (And sometimes it’s what they are trying hard not to say!)