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How can I help a friend going through alleged cyberstalking?

helpfulField8879 December 21st, 2021

Hello,

I have a friend who believes she is being cyberstalked (e.g., that someone she knows has hacked into her computer and phone). While I believe her (in some aspects, although I think her concern has snowballed) and am trying to listen compassionately, I'm really worried for her emotional wellbeing. She won't talk on the phone (even to a counselor) because she believes that this person listens to her conversations, has access to her email, and can even infiltrate outside sources (e.g., crisis centers, the media, etc.). He hasn't made any physical threat to her (this is more just mental control, although she says he assaulted her years ago), but I feel that her worrying about his ability to watch her cyber activity is ruining her quality of life. How can I best help her?

Thank you!

3
soulsings December 22nd, 2021

@helpfulField8879 I am sorry your friend is experiencing anxiety about their electronic communications. There are ways to get better security, but I cannot go into detail for their particular situation.

I hope they get help because it sounds like they are very anxious and might even be over reacting.

2 replies
helpfulField8879 OP February 17th, 2023

@soulsings Thanks so much for your reply (and sorry for my late one)! I agree that's she's probably overreacting a bit (e.g., felt very anxious and felt more threatened than what the actual threat presented), but happy to report she's doing better now!

1 reply
soulsings February 18th, 2023

@helpfulField8879 you are welcome. How are things working out for you?

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