Stalking is a terrifying violation of personal safety and privacy, affecting millions of people each year. The emotional toll it takes on victims is profound, causing anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
My experience with stalking began after I ended a relationship with my ex-girlfriend, who continued trying to control my life. Despite setting boundaries, the calls, texts and uninvited visits persisted.
The constant fear of seeing her outside or hearing my phone buzz became overwhelming. What made it worse was feeling like no one would take me seriously, leading to isolation.
Stalking can feel like being trapped, with no way to escape. Many victims don’t report it because they fear that the police won’t take them seriously. According to the Bureau of Justice, “about half (46%) of stalking victims experienced at least one unwanted contact per week, and 11% of victims said they had been stalked for five years or more.”
A common misconception is that frequent texting or showing up uninvited is a sign of love. This belief normalizes controlling behavior and downplays its harm. In reality, stalking is about control, fear and emotional manipulation. It seriously impacts victims’ mental health, causing anxiety, depression and panic attacks.
As said by the Natural Library of Medicine, “The psychological impacts of staking were examined and identified most frequently across studies. Fear of death or physical harm was reported by 43% to 97% of victims. Anxiety was reported by 44% to 88% of victims with 12% to 14% experiencing panic attacks and 55% experiencing flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. Between 26% and 34.6% of victims reported depression and 24% considered or attempted suicide.”
If you or someone you know is being stalked, take immediate action. Reach out to local authorities or support groups. Learn the signs of stalking — such as repeated calls, uninvited visits or showing up at work or home — and protect yourself. More importantly, tell someone you trust about what’s happening.
Stopping stalking requires more than police involvement. Communities play a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting victims.
Speaking up about stalking helps challenge the myths that downplay its seriousness. By sharing stories and spreading awareness, we can make our communities safer and encourage victims to seek help without fear of being dismissed.
At the end of the day, when friends, family or counselors support someone affected, it can make a significant difference. When victims know that others will listen and take them seriously, it provides a sense of safety and reassurance. No one should have to face the terrifying experience of being stalked or feel trapped in a situation where their safety is constantly at risk. The emotional toll of stalking is unimaginable — it’s not just fear, but helplessness, anxiety and isolation that victims endure.
We must work together to stop this disturbing trend and ensure that everyone can feel safe and secure in their own lives.
Brissett Rojas
Centralia High School student
