It is my belief that the psychological manipulation of gaslighting is one of the most painful things any person can endure. This kind of treatment drives clients to my office more than pretty much anything else. Gaslighting and other forms of narcissistic abuse can, at its worse, be deadly. Get help if you are experiencing this on a regular basis.
What is gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a subtle yet insidious form of psychological manipulation that can leave you questioning your own reality, perception and, in its worse cases, your sanity. Whether it occurs in personal relationships, the workplace, or even in larger societal contexts, gaslighting can erode your confidence and make you feel isolated and confused.
Individuals use gaslighting to make another person doubt their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It often involves persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, and misinformation. The term originates from the 1938 play Gas Light, in which a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she is losing her sanity by dimming the lights and denying any change.
The person doing the gaslighting ultimately takes no responsibility for their bad behavior and blames you for being upset.
Understanding the signs of gaslighting is the first step toward regaining your clarity and self-trust.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Gaslighting
If you’re wondering whether you are being gaslit, here are some common indicators:
1. You Have a Growing Sense of Self-Doubt – Over time, you start believing that you are the problem and that you can’t trust your own mind.
2. You Constantly Second-Guess Yourself – You frequently doubt your own memory or perceptions, even on things you were once certain about.
3. You Apologize Excessively – You find yourself saying sorry all the time, even when you haven’t done anything wrong.
4. You Feel Confused and Disoriented – Gaslighting can make you feel mentally foggy and unsure of your reality.
5. Your Feelings Are Dismissed – The gaslighter invalidates your emotions, telling you that you’re “too sensitive” or “overreacting.”
6. You Feel Isolated – Gaslighters often attempt to alienate you from friends, family, or supportive people who could help you see the truth.
7. They Deny Past Events – Even when you present evidence, the gaslighter insists that things never happened the way you remember.
Sound familiar?
If any of this sounds familiar, it is time to review your relationships and consider ways to take care of yourself. Persistent exposure to gaslighting will erode your mental and physical health. Read part 2 of this blog to get some tips on how to protect yourself from this form of manipulation. Don’t delay to get professional help if needed.
Read Next: Are They Gaslighting? How to Recognize and Protect Yourself from Manipulation-Part 2
Read Previous: The Value of Investing in Yourself: Your Greatest Asset
Read Also: Are You Suffering from Narcissistic Abuse?
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