How to Cope With Delusional Jealousy

Jealousy is a normal emotion. According to psychiatrist Michael Kingham, "Healthy people become jealous only in response to firm evidence, are prepared to modify their beliefs and reactions as new information becomes available." If jealousy consistently clouds the mind, inhibits normal activity, or irrationally interferes with relationships, it may be delusional jealousy, otherwise known as "The Othello Syndrome" named after Shakespeare's obsessively jealous character.

Things You'll Need

• Journal

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Instructions

• 1

  Accept that you may be suffering from delusional jealousy and that you may benefit from getting professional counseling.

• 2

  Figure out the cause of your insecurity and jealousy. Write in your journal every day about your feelings and ask yourself these questions from Steadyhealth.com:

  What do I feel insecure about?
  Do I feel unattractive or uninteresting?
  Do I doubt the other person's love for me?
  Do I doubt that I can have the type of relationship I want?
  Why?

• 3

  Ask your partner about their relationship intentions regarding the two of you. Accept their answer as truth.

• 4

  Be honest with your partner. Tell them you suffer from delusional jealousy and ask them if they are willing to help you on your path to recovery.

• 5

  Practice focusing on the moment. To keep from mixing fact with fiction do not dwell on hurts from the past or worry about the future, work on your current feelings and circumstances. Meditation is a useful tool in accomplishing this.

• 6

  Find a friend who is willing to be your accountability partner. When you are starting to get insecure thoughts, call them to get a neutral perspective.

• 7

  Make an appointment with a therapist. Ask them about other steps to take in dealing with delusional jealousy. Ask them about medications that can help you cope with your feelings better.