Gaslighting: Recognising and Responding to Manipulation
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where someone seeks to undermine your sense of reality. This harmful tactic can erode self-confidence, distort your perception, and leave you questioning your own sanity.
Common Gaslighting Tactics
- Coercion: Using emotional, verbal, physical, or financial pressure to force you into a particular action or belief.
- Scapegoating: Blaming you for situations or problems you didn’t cause.
- Trivialising: Dismissing or minimising your experiences, feelings, or achievements.
- Lying: Deliberately fabricating information or denying the truth to confuse and control you.
- Reality Questioning: Manipulating situations to make you doubt your perception of reality.
The Impact of Gaslighting
Gaslighting can have severe emotional and psychological consequences, including:
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty trusting others
- Confusion and disorientation
Who Can Be a Gaslighter?
Gaslighting can occur in any type of relationship, not just romantic partnerships. It can happen within families, friendships, and workplaces. A gaslighter might be a romantic partner, a family member, a friend, or a colleague.
What to Do If You Think You’re Being Gaslit
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Keep a Journal: Document incidents and interactions to maintain clarity and evidence.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits with the gaslighter and assert your reality.
- Seek Support: Consider talking to a therapist or counsellor for guidance and coping strategies.
Remember, you are not alone. Recognising gaslighting is the first step toward breaking free from its harmful effects. Seek support, trust your instincts, and reclaim your sense of self.
