Could excessive street harassment contribute to my anxiety?

I am a woman who lives in a gentrifying area of Manhattan. I like my neighborhood and most of my neighbors, but I’ve had serious issues with catcalling, stalking, and even threats of rape and violence from men.

I’ve lived in the city for six years and of course, catcalls and comments from men are sadly par for the course, but in this particular neighborhood, it’s been worse. I get harassed several times a day and dozens of times a week while just going about my business. It doesn’t matter if I’m wearing frumpy clothes or a short dress with heels, the treatment is the same.

A few months ago, I had a guy threaten to rape me and kill my boyfriend after he tried to touch me and I told him off. I went to the police and they told me it was because I was “very attractive” and that I “shouldn’t provoke” men by standing up for myself.

Tonight I had a similar incident. After being catcalled twice on the main avenue, I (stupidly) decided to take a shortcut home from the subway, where I was approached by an unhinged-looking guy with a baseball bat. He was definitely NOT coming or going from a sporting event.

The guy tried to block my path and started making sexual comments. I tried to side-step him and told him to leave me alone in an assertive and loud tone of voice. The guy starting calling me gendered slurs, threating to kill me etc. but I was able to run away and get safely home.

I’m really distraught that this keeps happening and am starting to feel really fearful. I have 1.5 years left on my lease (rent control, yo) so moving isn’t an option for my partner and I. Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed my anxiety worsening and feeling unsafe.

Has anyone else ever experienced this due to street harassment?