Is it normal to experience extreme paranoia because of bullies online?
Since having a hate group made about me on Facebook about 2 years ago, and being repeatedly harassed online by these same group of about 200+ people, followed everywhere and having them spreading lies about me or doing whatever they can to ruin my reputation... Well it's been 2 years and I still don't feel safe. They bullied me into silence and caused me extreme paranoia. Like, even though I have heard they stopped, even though I would have no idea, since then I changed my name on facebook, unfriended and blocked a bunch of people, and only EVER post for specific friends aka only my family can see it. I feel afraid to post anything on any groups that is not my own personal timeline. I don't mind posting on here, because it's anonymous, and I know no one will find out who I am. On top of this, I always feel attacked. Like, if anyone has a disagreement with me or seems like they are starting an argument with me, or basically anything I perceive as hostile, I get incredibly defensive and upset and feel like everyone is out to get me and everyone wants me to feel bad, or hurt me, or whatever. It was never this bad before the bullying which took place online. I now completely lack any faith in humanity, I consider pretty much every single person an enemy or someone who is against me, and I say my controversial opinions till they show their true colours, then I tell myself, "see? Everyone is against me and will never accept me as I am. Everyone wants me to change. So why waste time with them."
It's gotten to the point where I stopped interacting with my closest friends online, and became distant, so they will often say I became distant and that they worried about me. But I don't have the energy to talk to them. I don't think I can trust anyone since people continually acted like friends and backstabbed me by posting my personal things into the hate group, anonymously.
99% of what someone says to me I perceive it as an attack on my character. And I get angry and defensive and extremely upset. Even though I am extremely honest and say things and opinions that probably antagonise people. I still feel like everyone hates me.. How do I know those people aren't still following me around? How do I know that I can trust anyone apart from my family? The bullying has really fucked me up mentally even though it happened over 2 years ago and lasted till early this year.