Modern understanding of stalking increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many stalking presentations.
The Nervous System in Stalking
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to stalking:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type stalking
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by stalking
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type stalking
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Stalking
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Stalking
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving stalking
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in stalking