A friend has paranoia with delusions. How do I help her?

I often have problems with paranoia when I am not properly medicated. I have found that my closest friend is the one person that I generally trust even when I am my sickest. I do not know if you have that kind of relationship with you friend. However, if you do maybe you could try the technique my friend tries with me. She offers her support and guidance, meaning that when I am sick she acts as my reality checker. I will say something to the effect of "I thought someone was watching me in the bathroom. Could you tell me if that is rational or possible."It doesn't always mean that I will stop thinking it or planning my life around the fear but it does lessen the intensity. This of course might not work if the delusions are very severe or if you are not that tight as friends...but it has been helpful to me.

Just be supportive with your friend. You might offer to drive her to an appt, if she needs it. The other thing I would suggest is not to question her delusions. That's not to say that you should endorse them, but try to be aware that a delusion can be very real to the person experiencing it.

The important thing is that she is seeking help. You might also ask her directly how you might be able to help her through this adjustment.

Introduce her to marriajana. Sorry, that was just funny (on this end only I am sure). But now really... when a person with paranoia has an episode, there isn't anything that you can really do. They will see things as they want to. If you are really close to them, you should just let them know that you are there for them and that everything will be okay. Now if they are an extreem case...

Just let her know your still her friend and that you love her no matter what. Our society seems to think its shameful to have a mental illness. So just let her know you understand whats going on.