Is What Happened to Me Stalking?

Stalking is often misunderstood as dramatic or obvious , a stranger hiding in the shadows. In reality, the majority of stalking is carried out by someone the target knows: an ex-partner, a colleague, an acquaintance, or a family member. It can include repeated phone calls, messages, showing up uninvited, monitoring your social media, tracking your location, contacting your friends or employer, sending unwanted gifts, or any persistent behaviour that causes you fear or distress. Many people who are being stalked do not use the word "stalking" to describe their experience. They may call it harassment, or say their ex will not leave them alone, or describe someone who is "obsessed." If the behaviour is repeated and it makes you afraid, it does not matter what you call it , your experience is valid and you deserve support. The psychological impact of stalking is significant. It can cause hypervigilance, anxiety, sleep disruption, difficulty concentrating, and a sense that nowhere is safe. These are normal responses to an abnormal situation. In therapy, I work with people who have been stalked to process the psychological impact, rebuild a sense of safety, and understand the dynamics of what happened. I do not minimise, and I do not require you to have reported the behaviour to the police before seeking support.