Signs You’ve Been Victim to Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a prevalent issue that often goes by unnoticed because of the lack of information most people have regarding it.
“It’s your imagination talking.”
“Why are you so sensitive?”
“You’re crazy, I never said that!”
Have you ever heard similar remarks? Do you ever start questioning your memory and your sanity? If so, there’s a high probability that you’ve been a victim to Gaslighting
What exactly is Gas Lighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person a group of individuals target another person making them question their reality by instilling self-doubt.
This malicious form of manipulation is present in every other relationship. It often goes by unnoticed and leads the victim into feeling confused, anxious and mistrusting themselves.
Examples of Gaslighting
The process is often slow- making it difficult for the target to realise that they are being mentally abused. Some of the most common techniques that are used to perform this bitter act include
Denial: This involves the malefactor pretending to forget the existence of a particular situation despite being fully aware. They might do things like denying saying or doing things. It’s important to be able to differentiate a gaslighter from someone who has memory loss.
“That never happened, you’re making stuff up” is the most common phrase.
Diverting: In this situation, the person changes the focus and topic and/or questions the victim’s thoughts.
“It’s just another crazy idea you got from your friends.”
Trivializing: When the abuser disregards and disparages their target’s feelings and emotions. This occurs when a person opens up about how they feel about anything and are made to feel that they are overthinking, or being too sensitive when their feelings are valid.
“Stop being a snowflake”; “Why do you always have to overreact”
Countering: Involves the offender making the other person question their memory. This can happen despite the person having a perfect memory of the given situation.
“Are you sure that happened?” ; “You have a past of having fuzzy memory so I can’t trust you”
Withholding: The gaslighter pretends to not comprehend something to avoid further conversation or interaction.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about”; “You’re confusing me”
Stereotyping: An act in which the oppressor purposely uses gender, sexual, race, age, and ethnicity-based stereotypes that best suit their victim to manipulate them. For example, a man’s masculinity will be put into question if he seeks help and/or expresses his emotions.
“You’re psychotic for seeking help over that, every other girl goes through this”; “Man up”
For someone to realize that they are being gaslighted, they need to be aware of the signs and recognize them. Common signs are inclusive of, but not limited to:
- Repeatedly second-guessing yourself
- Constantly feeling the need to apologize
- Facing difficulties taking easy decisions independently
- You begin to wonder if you’re good enough
- You feel confused and crazy
- Feeling inferior
- Overthinking and self-doubt
- Avoiding conversations by withholding information from people you’re close to
- Hopelessness
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone around you, educate them about Gaslighting and take relevant action. Gaslighting is a very evil form of manipulation and abuse. Repercussions of this act can be very threatening hence it needs to be dealt with strict action.
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