Dealing with Cyberbullying and Stalking: How I'm Taking Back Control of My Online Presence

Feb 11

4 min read

Last week, posts and stories about World Cancer Day filled my feed on all social media outlets. The old me would have jumped on the bandwagon of filling everyone's social media with facts, stories, and blog posts. I had many thoughts I wanted to share, but my anxiety and self-doubt overwhelmed me so much that I chose to stay silent. I hit the like button on others' posts, but inside, I was tortured by the thought of sharing anything personal.

As some of you know, I have been cyberstalked and bullied for quite some time.

When I write about my journey with Cancer and my health complications, including my mental health, I receive messages of hate and negativity that can be pretty disheartening and fuel my PTSD and anxiety. Sharing such a deeply personal experience is not merely an act of storytelling; it is a vulnerable expression of my struggles, fears, and triumphs in the face of an overwhelming challenge. I chose to share these thoughts and feelings as an outlet for myself and a way to help others who are struggling. Please don't get me wrong; I also receive many messages of hope and comfort from people who share their stories with me. I will be forever grateful I started Fabulously Fighting for community and support. Unfortunately, we don't always focus on the good we have done; we tend to focus on the small amount of hateful comments.

As I recount the physical battles I have faced, from the grueling treatments to the unexpected side effects that have altered my daily life, I also delve into the emotional toll that this journey has taken on my mental health. The weight of a cancer diagnosis is not just a medical issue; it encompasses a myriad of feelings, including anxiety, depression, and sometimes even isolation. The reality is that while I strive to be open and honest about my experiences in hopes of connecting with others who may be facing similar challenges, the backlash I occasionally receive can feel like a betrayal of that shared understanding.

These messages of hate often come from individuals who may not fully grasp the complexities of living with a life-threatening illness or the intricacies of mental health struggles. They may be rooted in misunderstanding, fear, or their own unresolved issues, leading them to project negativity onto my narrative. It is a stark reminder that while I seek to foster a community of support and empathy, some still choose to respond with judgment or disdain rather than compassion.

Despite the hurtful comments, I find strength in the positive responses I receive from others who resonate with my story. Many reach out, sharing their experiences, offering encouragement, or simply expressing gratitude for my honesty. These messages serve as a powerful counterbalance to the negativity, reinforcing the importance of sharing our truths. My journey with Cancer is not just mine alone; it is a collective experience that touches many lives, and through my writing, I hope to shed light on the realities of living with illness and the necessity of mental health awareness.

In the end, while the hate can sting like a bee, it fuels my determination to continue sharing my story. Unfortunately, this doesn't come without a lot of soul-searching, pausing to take care of my mental health, and even questioning my place in this lost world. I recognize that my voice can be a beacon for those who feel lost or alone in their struggles. By confronting negativity head-on, I aim to create a dialogue that advocates for understanding and empathy and highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It has taken a lot of therapy, sweaty palms, and, yes, even panic attacks to write this.

This year, World Cancer Day's new campaign is "United by Unique," which celebrates the stories of every person affected by Cancer. "Every experience with cancer is unique, and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient."

What struck me about this campaign is its immense potential to transform one's mindset profoundly and meaningfully. Imagine, for a moment, the power of viewing others through a clear lens, one that is free from the biases and preconceived notions that often cloud our judgment. This shift in perception allows us to engage with each other not as mere reflections of our own experiences or stereotypes but as unique beings with their own stories, struggles, and triumphs. This campaign encourages us to actively challenge our distorted perspectives, urging us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace a more open and inclusive worldview. It invites us to reflect on our interactions and how our biases and even hate may influence our relationships with others, ultimately inspiring a collective movement toward greater compassion and connection. The potential impact of such a transformative mindset is not only significant personally. Still, it can also ripple outward, influencing communities and society in positive and lasting ways. This is a long-winded way to say Bee Kind to one another. No one knows what any one of us goes through silently. It takes one nasty comment to throw someone into a downward spiral. Please don't be the reason someone questions their worthiness, their place in this world, or even worse, the reason someone takes their own life.

I want to thank my family, friends, and, of course, my Fabulously Fighting community for being my everyday heroes. When I share my thoughts and feelings, you lift me up. When I become silent, you send me messages of hope. As the campaign says, we are "United by Unique." Together, we create a tapestry of support, resilience, and inspiration that empowers us all to face challenges head-on and embrace our unique journeys with courage and determination. Thank you for being my pillars of strength and for reminding me every day that we are in this together, celebrating our differences while standing side by side.

Please bee kind to each other.