There are mental advocacy organizations that provide online and in-person support groups. For example, NAMI (National Alliance On Mental Illness) provides support groups across the USA that are moderated by trained individuals. These support groups are for mental health consumers as well as their caregivers.

I did not at first have a good relationship with support groups. Basically, what happened is that I attended the groups while I was deep into paranoia, and I couldn’t relate to anyone. I went on to discover online chat groups for mental health consumers. My approach now, if I am fighting extreme paranoia, is to take advantage of the online option and work with my doctors. Once the paranoia abates a bit, I attend in-person support groups, and due to this prior help, the experience is much better. Everyone needs to choose their unique strategy, but please know that mental health consumers living close to you would benefit immensely from knowing you and sharing experiences. You can find such people in a support group for mental health consumers.