Gaslighting is a form of psychological and emotional abuse where someone manipulates another person in order to make them question their own thoughts, feelings, and even reality. It is a damaging form of control that can have serious impacts on the mental and emotional health of its victims. For your own mental health is important to know exactly what gaslighting is, how to recognize it, and how to respond when someone is gaslighting you.
What Is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which a person manipulates another person’s perception of reality. It is a type of manipulation used to gain control over another person, often through verbal and emotional abuse. Gaslighting is an insidious form of abuse because it can cause the victim to question their own sanity and feelings.
Gaslighting typically involves the abuser making false or distorted statements that the victim will begin to believe. This can include making the victim feel like they are always wrong, denying what happened, or blaming the victim for something they did not do. This type of manipulation can gradually wear down the victim’s self-esteem, leaving them dependent on the abuser. This can lead to feelings of confusion, fear, anxiety, and depression in the victim.
Gaslighting can also involve manipulating someone’s memory or creating false memories. For example, the abuser may deny ever saying something that was said or may claim that something occurred when it didn’t. This can cause the victim to start questioning their own memory, leading to a sense of uncertainty about what is real and what is not.
The trauma that comes from gaslighting can be long-lasting. Seeking out counselling or therapy is recommended for those who have been affected by this type of abuse. Counselling can provide support and help a person process the emotional effects of gaslighting and understand how it has impacted their life. With the right help, individuals can learn to cope with the psychological trauma caused by gaslighting and begin to build a healthier relationship with themselves and with others.
Signs That You Are Being Gaslighted
Because gaslighting is a form of psychological and emotional abuse that is done so covertly and gradually it can be difficult to recognise. It is a way for someone to manipulate and control another person’s reality by making them doubt their own perception of events, even though the gaslighter is not telling the truth.
Here are some signs to watch out for if you think you might be a victim of gaslighting:
- You Feel Confused or Crazy:
One of the most common signs of being gaslighted is feeling confused or questioning your sanity. Your abuser may tell you that what you experienced didn’t happen or make statements such as “you are just imagining things”. - You Feel Isolated:
Gaslighters often try to isolate their victims from family and friends who could provide support and validation. You may feel like you have nobody to talk to about what you are going through. - You Feel Unworthy:
Gaslighting can cause you to feel unworthy of love and respect. You may think that the abuse is a reflection of your worth as a person and that it is all your fault. - You Feel Embarrassed:
Gaslighters often use humiliation as a way to control their victims. This can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment which may prevent you from speaking up about the abuse.
All of this is done so that the abuser can have complete control over you. If you think you might be a victim of gaslighting, it is important to reach out for help from a qualified therapist or support group. It is also important to remember that the abuse is not your fault and that you are worthy of love and respect.
The Impact of Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a form of psychological and emotional abuse that can have serious and long-lasting consequences on a person’s mental health. It has the power to completely destroy someone’s self-esteem and sense of reality. People who have been victims of gaslighting may suffer from feelings of confusion, depression, and anxiety. They may find themselves constantly questioning their beliefs and decisions, or second-guessing their own thoughts and feelings.
Gaslighting causes a lot of trauma for the victim and can therefore also have a profound impact on interpersonal relationships. Victims of gaslighting often struggle to trust others, as they have had their trust betrayed by someone they thought they could rely on. They may also be more vulnerable to further manipulation, as they have learned to doubt their instincts and may be more likely to believe false information or misleading claims.
The effects of gaslighting can be difficult to overcome, but it is possible to reclaim your sense of self and rebuild broken relationships. Seeking professional help can provide valuable guidance in recognising the signs of gaslighting and establishing healthier relationships.
How to Stop Gaslighting
If you are being gaslighted it can have serious and lasting effects on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to stop the cycle of gaslighting and prevent it from continuing.
The first step in stopping gaslighting is to recognize when it is happening and take ownership of your feelings. If you are being made to feel insecure, crazy, or like you are not enough, it is important to remember that these feelings do not reflect your actual reality.
The next step is to become aware of the gaslighter’s tactics and refusing to engage with them. This means refusing to answer questions that are designed to make you doubt yourself and refusing to engage in arguments or debates that are designed to make you feel bad. It also means taking time to think before responding and not allowing yourself to be pulled into conversations that make you feel uncomfortable.
It is also important to set clear boundaries and communicate them to the gaslighter. This means firmly stating what behaviours are acceptable and what behaviours are not acceptable. It is important that these boundaries are communicated clearly, calmly, and directly.
It is also important to seek out support from others who can help validate your feelings and remind you of your worth. If needed, professional help can be sought out in order to process feelings of anger, fear, and confusion that can occur as a result of gaslighting.
Finally, it is important to practice self-care. Self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy can help reduce the negative impact of gaslighting.
By recognizing the signs of gaslighting, refusing to engage with it, setting clear boundaries, seeking support, and practising self-care, it is possible to stop the cycle of gaslighting. Doing so will help restore a sense of control and worth.
How to Deal with the Effects of Gaslighting
The trauma caused by Gaslighting can have long-lasting effects on the mental and emotional health of victims. Learning to identify the signs of gaslighting and understanding how to cope with the aftermath is essential to healing.
The first step in dealing with the effects of gaslighting is to recognize that it has occurred and to acknowledge the hurt and trauma it has caused. Remember, you are not to blame for being gaslighted, no matter how many times your abuser may have said otherwise. The next step is to reach out for support from family, friends, or professionals. Having a safe space to talk openly and honestly about what you have experienced is key to beginning the process of recovery.
Self-care is also essential to healing after being gaslighted. Establishing a routine and committing to regular activities such as mindfulness, exercise, reading, art, or journaling can help restore balance and emotional well-being. Additionally, engaging in activities that help boost self-confidence and self-esteem is important for recovering from psychological abuse.
Finally, it is crucial to establish healthy boundaries with your abuser, if possible. Make sure your limits are clear and firm. If the abuser does not respect your boundaries, then you may need to consider more drastic measures, such as ending the relationship or seeking legal protection.
By taking these steps, you can start to rebuild your life after gaslighting and reclaim your power. With patience and perseverance, you will be able to move forward and create a better future for yourself.