Fear and paranoia

Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat, activating the body's fight-or-flight mechanisms to help us stay safe. Paranoia involves persistent, unfounded suspicion or mistrust of others, often leading individuals to believe they are at risk without real evidence. While fear is a normal reaction to actual danger, paranoia is characterized by exaggerated or irrational concerns that can impair daily functioning. Both involve heightened vigilance, but paranoia often persists without a clear threat, sometimes linked to mental health conditions like anxiety disorders or schizophrenia.