The Dark Side of Stalking: Mental Illness and Obsession in Abuse Cases

Stalking is a pervasive and disturbing issue, often linked to mental health concerns and psychological abuse. While stalker profiles can vary, cases often involve individuals accused of stalking who simultaneously pull the rug out from under their victims by accusing them of mental illness.

Stalking and Mental Illness: A Troubling Alliance

The relationship between stalking and mental illness is complex. Those accused of stalking might use their perceived or actual mental health issues as a defense or to try to silence their victims. For example, one victim described a relentless stalker who forcibly hacked into their electronics and detailed their stalking in a journal, claiming these actions were symptoms of mental illness. This conflation of reality and delusion creates a harmful cycle that can be challenging to navigate.

Divorce and Shared Custody

Legal battles following divorce can be especially fraught, with stalking at its worst. In one case, a divorced couple shared custody of a young child, where the ex-wife engaged in stalking. She frequently accused her ex-husband of being mentally ill, detailing his behaviors in a stalking journal, to try and gain sole custody. Examples included going to church, joining a bowling league, and dating women—all of which were deemed 'proof' of his mental instability. This illustrates the lengths some individuals will go to, using obsession to control and manipulate their former partners.

Obsession and Control

Stalking and obsession often go hand-in-hand, regardless of the level of notoriety of the victim. Celebrities and public figures are often the targets of these actions, but ordinary people are also subjected to similar horrors. A male student infatuated with his teacher provides a chilling example of how badly this obsession can manifest, with plans to forcibly kidnapping the teacher and her daughter. Such extreme behavior may seem unthinkable but underscores the need for vigilance and support systems for victims.

Operation for Brain Cysts

In some cases, physical health issues, such as brain cysts, can cause stalking behavior. It’s important to note that the presence of such conditions does not automatically render individuals a threat. Treatment options, such as surgical removal of brain cysts, can address the physical causes behind some stalking behaviors.

While mental illness may sometimes coincide with stalking, it is crucial to separate genuine psychological issues from the manipulative tactics used by abusers. Support for both victims and perpetrators who may be suffering from mental health conditions is essential for building a society where such behavior is unacceptable and actionable.

Keywords: mental illness, stalking, psychological abuse