insights, please, on most effectual means of self protection?

I have been considering getting a pew pew recently, but have a number of considerations:

- price for pew pew plus classes
- knowing the law as to when i can have/use it and cannot
- the stats are grim for suicidal people such as myself: up to 3x more likely to use it AGAINST oneself than for self protection. it may have actually saved my life, just last night, that I am not a pew pew owner.
- would I even be able to access it in time, in the event of an intruder

I also have a stalker, so I do want to feel protected in my home. Thanks in advance for any advice!!