Feel like you’re always walking on eggshells? Do you ever question whether your thoughts or feelings are reliable? If that’s the case, you may be a victim of gaslighting. The act of gaslighting is one of emotional abuse in which the aggressor tricks the victim into believing they’re insane. It can be tough to come out of this type of abuse, but with help, you can get through it. This article will discuss what gaslighting is and how to identify it. We will also discuss ways to come out of gaslighting and regain self-confidence.
What Is Gaslighting?
As a method of mind control, gaslighting starts with tiny seeds of doubt planted in a specific individual or group, causing them to question their memory, perception, or judgment. It’s a type of mental torture that involves withholding accurate information and providing false information in an attempt to wear down the target. Gaslighting victims, on the other hand, frequently lose touch with reality. They become submissive and lower their self-esteem as they gradually get more emotionally involved with their abuser.
The goal of a gaslighter is to make the target(s) question their reality and become reliant on them. It’s typically found in intimate partnerships, but it can also happen in other sorts of connections and huge groups (due to people in a position of authority). Gaslighting can be hard to spot because seemingly innocent comments or behaviors often start off.
Examples of Gaslighting
Here are a few examples of how gaslighting can manifest in someone’s life:
In a family scenario:
– Your partner tells you that you’re imagining things when you say they forgot to pick up the kids from school
– Your partner accuses you of being too sensitive whenever you bring up an issue
In a romantic relationship:
-Your partner constantly contradicts your version of events and then insists that they are right
-Your partner lies about their whereabouts and then accuses you of not trusting them
-Your partner tells you that your emotions are invalid and makes fun of the way you express yourself
At work scenario:
-Your boss implies that you’re incompetent and then questions your ability to do your job
-Your boss withholds information from you and gives it out in dribs and drabs in an attempt to control you
-Your boss makes fun of you in front of other colleagues
How to Identify Gaslighting
It can be difficult to identify gaslighting. Many people who are being gaslit find themselves questioning their sanity and may not even realize that they’re being manipulated or controlled by someone else. Here’s what to look for if you suspect you’re dealing with a gaslighter:
-You feel like you always need to justify your actions or opinions. The gaslighter will often make the target question their motives and choices to control them.
-The gaslighter makes you feel like everything is your fault, even when it isn’t clear that this is true. This tactic can be used to make the target feel guilty and more likely to do what the gaslighter wants.
-You often question yourself, your decisions, and your behavior. The gaslighter will use tactics such as withholding information to control you into doing their bidding.
-The gaslighter lies or withholds important information from you about themselves, your relationship, or other things that are important to you. They might also tell you outright lies about themselves to gain your trust (and later betray it).
-You feel like no one else is on your side. The gaslighter will often make the target question their motives and choices to gain control over them. If the target begins to share their concerns with others, the gaslighter might try to isolate them from friends and family.
-The gaslighter uses your fears, insecurities, or doubts against you. The goal of a gaslighter is to make the target doubt themselves so that they are more likely to rely on the gaslighter for guidance and reassurance.
Gaslighters often play the martyr or victim, making themselves seem like the one mistreated by you (when in reality they are not). They might also show how much they’ve done for others to gain sympathy and support from those around them.
-The gaslighter does things to make themselves look good, but bad for you. This can be done in various ways, including lying about how they feel or what they want from the relationship to get their way and keep you under control.
-You are often on edge around this person because they are unpredictable and you never know what might set them off. The gaslighter may use harsh words, insults, or threats as a way to keep you in line.
-The gaslighting is causing you to feel depressed, anxious, and emotionally drained. Gaslighting can be incredibly damaging to someone’s mental health and wellbeing. It is critical to get help whenever you have any of the symptoms listed above.
How to Come Out of It Victorious
If you’re feeling gaslighted, there are a few things you may do to reclaim your power and emerge victorious:
–Begin by acknowledging what’s going on. The first step in resolving a problem is to acknowledge that one exists. Once you are aware of what’s going on, it will be simpler for you to modify your behavior and pursue change.
–Establish limits with the individual who’s gaslighting you. When dealing with a manipulative person, establishing boundaries may appear to be an unattainable objective, but it will help you regain control of your life and relationships with others.
–Focus on the positive people in your life who are supportive and loving towards you. The gaslighter might try to isolate you from these people so that they can gain more power over you. Don’t let them win! Connect with your loved ones for assistance and gather in the company of individuals who make you feel good.
–Talk to someone about what’s going on. It can be quite beneficial to talk with someone who understands your situation and can provide helpful advice. A therapist or counselor might be a good option, or many online forums deal with gaslighting.
–Take care of yourself. To come out of this situation stronger, you need to take physical and emotional care of yourself. Make sure that you’re eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and taking time for yourself to relax and recharge.
Coming out on top after being gaslit can seem like an impossible task, but it is possible. With time, patience, and self-love, you can reclaim your life and come out of this situation stronger than ever before. If you feel like you might be a victim of gaslighting, please reach out for help. Some people can support you through this difficult time. You are not alone.
