Over the past few years, the term “gaslighting” has gained much prominence in discussions of mental health and relationship dynamics. Often used to describe manipulative behaviour in toxic relationships, gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation wherein one person makes another doubt their perceptions, memories, and even sanity.
The term Gaslight originates from the 1944 film Gaslight, wherein a husband manipulates his wife so subtly into thinking she is losing her grip on reality. Gaslighting, though, is a real phenomenon affecting countless individuals in all varieties of personal and professional relationships.
This article will explain what is gaslighting, how it affects relationships, and what you can do if you suspect you are a victim of gaslighting.
How Does Gaslighting Work?
The gaslighter denies or minimizes things that happened. They might flat-out deny saying or doing something, even if you have evidence to the contrary. Or, they might downplay the importance of what happened, making you feel like you’re overreacting.
They twist your words and memories. The gaslighter might intentionally misinterpret what you say, taking your words out of context or twisting them to fit their narrative. They might also try to convince you that you’re misremembering events, making you doubt your own judgment.
They shift blame and responsibility. When things go wrong, the gaslighter will always find a way to make it your fault. They might deflect blame by attacking your character or making you feel like you’re crazy.
They isolate you from your support system. The gaslighter might try to control who you see and talk to, making it difficult for you to connect with friends and family who might offer support.
How Gaslighting Impacts Relationships
Gaslighting can have serious negative impacts on relationships. It is a form of emotional abuse that can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and a loss of trust in one’s own perceptions and judgment. Here are some ways that gaslighting can impact relationships:
Loss of Trust: Gaslighting can erode the victim’s trust in their own perceptions and judgment. They may begin to doubt their own memories, feelings, and experiences. This can lead to a loss of trust in themselves and in the people around them.
Isolation: Gaslighting can be isolating. The victim may feel like they cannot talk to anyone about what is happening because they fear they will not be believed. They may also feel like they cannot trust anyone, including friends and family.
Emotional Instability: Gaslighting can lead to emotional instability. The victim may experience anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions and may feel like they are constantly on edge.
Dependence: Gaslighting can make the victim more dependent on the perpetrator. They may begin to rely on the perpetrator’s version of events because they cannot trust their own perceptions and judgment. This can make it harder for the victim to leave the relationship.
Self-Doubt: Gaslighting can lead to self-doubt. The victim may begin to question their own abilities, competence, and worth. This can have negative impacts on their self-esteem and self-confidence.
What to Do If You Believe You May Be a Victim of Gaslighting
If you believe that you may be a victim of gaslighting, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and seek support. Here are some things that you can do:
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off in your relationship, trust your instincts. Gaslighting can make you doubt your own perceptions, but if you feel like something is not right, it probably isn’t.
Document Everything: Keep a record of incidents of gaslighting. Write down what was said, when, and how it made you feel. Having a record can help you remember what happened and can also be useful if you decide to seek professional help.
Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust about what is happening. This could be a friend, family member, or therapist. Having someone to talk to can help you to process what is happening and can provide you with emotional support.
Set Boundaries: If you are in a relationship with someone who is gaslighting you, it is important to set boundaries. Let the person know that their behaviour is unacceptable and that you will not tolerate it.
Consider Professional Help: If you are experiencing the negative impacts of gaslighting and are having trouble coping, consider seeking professional help. A therapist can help you to process your emotions and develop strategies for dealing with the situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation, and it may profoundly affect relationships. It could cause a loss of trust, emotional instability, and self-doubt. If you think you can be a victim of gaslighting, then it is very important to act and search for defence mechanisms to help you out. Don’t forget that you are not alone, and some people can help you to drive through this really difficult situation.