I had paranoid episodes years ago, and was lucky not to have a nervous breakdown. I was working the graveyard shift, often totally alone, in a large NYC business. Being on that schedule, combined with several undiagnosed illness', pushed me into a similar mindset as described here. Due to my delusions, I ended up making irrational statements to higher-ups, became confused and despondent, and resigned. Fortunately, I quickly got a 9-5 job at another company and recovered my sanity (for the most part).