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Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that can be difficult to detect but can have serious effects on a person’s mental health and well-being. Understanding the signs of gaslighting is crucial in order to recognise when it is happening and take steps to protect yourself from its harmful effects.

One of the key signs of gaslighting is when someone consistently denies your reality or experiences. This can take the form of the gaslighter telling you that something you remember happening never occurred, or that your feelings are invalid or irrational. Over time, this can lead you to doubt your own perceptions and sense of reality, eroding your self-confidence and making you more dependent on the gaslighter for validation.

Another common sign of gaslighting is when the gaslighter engages in behaviour that undermines your self-esteem or confidence. This can include making hurtful or dismissive comments about your abilities, appearance, or intelligence, or constantly criticising you in ways that make you feel inadequate or unworthy. By tearing you down in this way, the gaslighter can gain power and control over you, making you more likely to defer to their opinions and perceptions.

Gaslighters often use manipulation tactics such as shifting blame onto you, deflecting responsibility for their actions, or playing the victim in order to avoid accountability. They may twist the facts of a situation to make you feel guilty or responsible for their behaviour, or use emotional manipulation to make you doubt yourself and question your own judgment. By manipulating your emotions and perceptions in this way, the gaslighter can maintain control over you and avoid being held accountable for their actions.

It is important to trust your instincts and pay attention to how you feel in your interactions with others. If you find yourself constantly doubting your own perceptions, feeling confused or disoriented, or experiencing a sense of unease or discomfort in a relationship, these may be signs that you are being gaslit. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can help you gain perspective on the situation and develop strategies for setting boundaries and protecting yourself from further harm.

Recognising the signs of gaslighting is the first step in protecting yourself from this harmful form of manipulation. By trusting your own perceptions and feelings, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, you can re establish your own reality and reclaim your sense of self-worth and autonomy.

Check out our other blogs for further information, or you may be interested in completing one of our online programs. Alternatively, you may wish to speak with one of our consultants to learn more about how we can support you.

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