Do you sometimes feel like you’re going crazy? Like what you’re seeing or feeling can’t possibly be real? If so, you might be a victim of gaslighting. Gaslighting is a tactic used by abusers to make their victims doubt their own sanity.
It can come from a romantic partner, a boss, a family member, or anyone in a position of power. If you’re being gaslit, it’s important to know what to do about it. In this article, we’ll discuss what gaslighting is and how you can deal with it if someone is abusing you using this tactic.
Gaslighting and Psychological Abuse.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse. It’s a way for the abuser to control their victim by making them question their reality. The abuser does this by lying, denying, or distorting what has happened. They might also try to make you doubt your memory or perception. For example, an abuser might say “I never said that,” even though you know they did. Or they might deny something you know is true, like “You’re just imagining things.” Gaslighting can be very confusing and frustrating for the victim. It can make you feel like you’re going crazy.
Gaslighting and Romantic Relationships
It’s common for gaslighting to occur in romantic relationships, but it’s not uncommon in controlling friendships or family members as well. Gaslighters might have mental health problems. They use this sort of emotional assault to gain power over people and control friends, family members, or work colleagues.
It’s possible that a narcissist is attempting to gaslight you in order to make you question your logic, recall, self-esteem, and overall mental well-being. It’s important to understand what a gaslighter may try in order to dominate you.
How Gaslighting Works
Gaslighters will lye to you often. They will deny what they said or what they did, they will make up new information to support their case, and eventually, you will start to doubt your own memory and reality.
A gaslighter may also try to isolate you from friends or family members. By doing this, the gaslighter can further control what information you’re receiving. They might say things like “Your friends are just trying to turn you against me” or “I don’t like your family, they’re always causing drama.” The goal is to make you question people who care about you and rely on the gaslighter for support.
In addition, a gaslighter may try to use intimidation tactics. This might involve making threats or yelling. The goal is to make you feel scared and alone so that you’re more likely to comply with what the gaslighter wants.
Finally, a gaslighter may try to play mind games. They might say things like “I never said that” or “You’re just imagining things.” They might also try to make you doubt your memory or perception. These tactics are designed to make you question your reality and yourself.
What to Do If Someone Is Gaslighting You
If you think you might be a victim of gaslighting, there are some things you can do about it. First, it’s important to remember that you’re not crazy. Gaslighting is a tactic used to control and manipulate you. Don’t let your abuser convince you otherwise.
Second, keep track of what’s happening. Write down what the abuser says and does that makes you question your reality. This can help you see patterns and spot when they’re lying to you.
Third, talk to someone you trust about what’s going on. It can be helpful to have an outside perspective on what’s happening. Talking to a therapist or counselor can also be helpful. They can provide support and guidance on how to deal with gaslighting and other forms of abuse.
Fourth, end the relationship. Ending a connection with someone who gaslights you is usually the most effective approach to stop the abuse.
If you experience any of these signs of gaslighting, it’s critical that you get help from a mental health professional as soon as possible. Gaslighting can have a negative influence on your self-esteem and general mental health if left untreated.
Your physician may suggest a counselor who is capable of assisting you in processing and managing what is going on with you.
You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance from trained advocates.