A Self-Love Blog*How to Recognize and Deal With Gaslighting

Do you know someone who always seems to make you feel like you’re the one who’s crazy? Maybe they always seem to twist the facts so that their version of reality seems like the only logical option. If this sounds familiar, then you may be experiencing gaslighting – a type of manipulation that is often used by abusive partners. In this article, we will discuss what gaslighting is, how to recognize it, and what you can do to protect yourself from it.

What Is Gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that often occurs in abusive relationships. It is a covert type of emotional abuse where the bully or abuser misleads the target, creating a false narrative and making them question their judgments and reality. Ultimately, the victim of gaslighting starts to feel unsure about their perceptions of the world and even wonder if they are losing their sanity.

Gaslighting primarily occurs in romantic relationships, but it’s not uncommon for it to occur in controlling friendships or among family members as well. People who gaslight others may have mental health issues, such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder. They may also have a history of gaslighting other people in their lives. If you think you may be in a gaslighting relationship, it’s important to reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. You may also want to consider talking to a therapist, who can help you process what you’re experiencing and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

There are many different ways that gaslighting can manifest itself. For example, your partner may tell you that you’re overreacting to something when you know that you’re not. They may try to convince you that their version of events is the only logical option, even when it doesn’t make sense. Gaslighting can also happen on a smaller scale; for example, your partner may repeatedly tell you that you’re forgetful when you know that you’re not.

Signs You’re in a Gaslighting Relationship:

-You feel like you’re always second-guessing yourself.

-You find yourself doubting your reality.

-You have trouble remembering what’s happened.

-You feel isolated and alone.

-You feel like no one believes you.

-You feel like you’re going crazy.

There are several warning signs that you may be experiencing gaslighting. For example, you may find yourself doubting your own memory or perception of events. You may feel like you’re always walking on eggshells, trying to please the other person so that they won’t get angry with you. You may also feel isolated from your friends and family, as the gaslighter may try to control who you spend time with.

Ways To Protect Yourself

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from gaslighting. First, it’s important to be aware of the signs so that you can recognize when it’s happening. If you start to feel like you’re always second-guessing yourself or doubting your reality, pay attention to that feeling. It’s also important to keep track of what’s happening; gaslighting can be a slow process, and it may be hard to remember all the times it’s happened. Keeping a journal or talking to a friend can help you keep track of what’s going on.

It’s also important to have outside sources of support so that you can talk to someone about what you’re experiencing. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be helpful, as they can provide an unbiased perspective. Friends and family members can also be a great source of support, but it’s important to choose someone who you know will believe you and who won’t gaslight you themselves. Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Make sure to schedule time for activities that make you happy and give you a break from the stress of your everyday life.

If you think that you may be experiencing gaslighting, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about what’s going on. You can also contact a mental health professional for support. Remember, gaslighting is a form of abuse, and you deserve to be in a safe and healthy relationship.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7323) or visit their website at domesticviolence.org for more information.