GASLIGHTING.

WHAT IS GASLIGHTING?

Gaslighting is a tactic where a person gains more power by making the victim question their reality. It is a type of mental and emotional abuse and the abuser misleads the victim. For example, a person is manipulated into thinking that he or she is losing their mind. People who are victims of gaslighting usually feel confused and anxious and unable to trust their gut.

Gaslighting mostly occurs in romantic relationships, but it is common for it to occur in toxic and controlling friendships or among family members as well. People who gaslight others may usually have mental health disorders, for example, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). They use this type of manipulation to exert power over others to manipulate their friends, family members, or even colleagues.

THIS IS HOW GASLIGHTING WORKS…

When a person is gaslighting you, you may second-guess yourself, your memories, your thought process, and your recent events. After interacting with such a person, you may be left feeling confused and may wonder if there is something wrong with you. You are made to think you are actually to blame for something or that you are just being too sensitive. This will leave you confused and make you question your judgment, memory, self-esteem, and overall mental health.

SIGNS SOMEONE IS GASLIGHTING YOU…

• They keep telling you that you are going crazy.
• They will spread rumors about you, gossip about you, and tell everyone else that you are a liar.
• A person who gaslights may lie to you shamelessly and effortlessly.
• They refuse to admit that they have done something wrong even though you have proof.
• They may use your past, traumas, and secrets as a weapon against you.
• This person is an energy drainer.
• Their actions never match their words.
• They will tell you and make you agree that people are against you.
• They keep telling you that you are going crazy.
• A person who gaslights may lie to you shamelessly and effortlessly.
• They refuse to admit that they have done something wrong even though you have proof.
• They may use your past, traumas, and secrets as a weapon against you.
• This person is an energy drainer.
• Their actions never match their words.
• They will tell you and make you agree that people are against you.
• They may line up people against you so that you must think they are right.

• They keep making statements such as Calm down, you are overreacting, and why are you so sensitive? And these statements try to block the way you are feeling or what you are thinking and communicate that you are wrong.
• Shifting the blame on you is another common strategy for gaslighting.
• They may line up people against you so that you must think they are right.
• They keep making statements such as Calm down, you are overreacting, and why are you so sensitive?
• And these statements try to block the way you are feeling or what you are thinking and communicate that you are wrong.
• They will spread rumors about you, gossip about you, and tell everyone else that you are a liar.

HOW YOU SHOULD FIGHT AGAINST GASLIGHTING?

• Never take responsibility for other people’s actions.
• Set strong boundaries.
• Remember what is true.
• Do not get into an argument with such people.
• Prioritize your mental health and well-being.

DO NOT FALL INTO THIS TRAP. LOVE YOURSELF AND FIND PEACE WITHIN YOURSELF!