The term gaslighting is derived from a 1938 play “Gas Light” and popularised in the 1944 movie version of the same name. This kind of manipulation aims to make another person question their sanity.
The increased awareness of this issue has shown that it has a significant impact on mental health and emotions. This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of this treacherous vice and its enduring consequences. (Abramson, 2014)
Effects of Gaslighting
Gaslighting is based on manipulation to gain control and power over a person. It slowly chips away at one’s perception of reality through actions such as denial, contradiction, and trivialisation. Frequently, those who do this use subtle ways to distort the victim’s mind, leading them to question their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Emotional Consequences:
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse. A gaslighter can take a toll on a person’s emotions, which can be overwhelming. Trying to make sense of conflicting narratives imposed by the gas lighter can leave victims suffering from heightened anxiety, depression, self-doubt, etc., which eventually leads to undermined self-esteem and independence being left open for further manipulation. (Calef & Weinshel, 1981) - Cognitive Distortions:
Gaslighting involves more than emotions. Cognitive processes also get distorted too. One may become confused with constant questioning about memory or perception, thereby developing cognitive dissonance. Victims might be stuck and unable to trust themselves, as this perpetuates the self-doubt cycle depending on the validation sought from gaslighters. (Miano, et.al., 2021) - Isolation And Alienation:
Many times, a narcissistic person makes sure that victims have no support system around them anymore. Over time, especially when their confidence lacks credibility due to undermining tactics employed by gaslighters in such a manner that isolates them more till they become completely dependable on him or her for affirmation. For this reason, it can be very challenging for victims to either find assistance or even realise they are being abused. (Abramson, 2014) - Long-Term Effects:
Gaslighting has effects that reach way beyond the immediate relationship. Trust issues, low self-esteem, and difficulties establishing healthy romantic relationships may continue long after someone has managed to break free from such abusive circles. Gaslighting scars a person’s mind and soul, necessitating time and help to heal. (Calef & Weinshel, 1981) - Recognising And Overcoming Gaslighting:
The first step towards preventing gaslighting is awareness. Spotting the signs, as well as regular patterns of manipulation will make sure an individual takes back their identity and develops safe limits to prevent further abuse. Another thing that is equally important for one’s recovery process is finding support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health practitioners. (Miano, et.al., 2021)
Gaslighting is an insidious form of abuse that can have drastic, lifelong effects on victims. Understanding this hidden plot and what it does to us can help create a world where control and manipulation are unacceptable in our relationships or communities. It’s time to break the cycle of gaslighting and allow individuals to take back control over their lives and voices.
Understanding Gaslighting: Reclaim Your Reality
- Trust Your Instincts
Trusting your instincts is one of the initial steps in dealing with gaslighting. If something feels fishy or inconsistent with what you know to be true or tries to manipulate you, recognise those feelings. Gaslighters often try convincing you that you are just overreacting or imagining things, but by trusting your intuition, you start validating your own experiences and perceptions. (Sodoma, 2022) - Educate Yourself
Therefore, understanding gaslighting tactics and patterns is crucial in dealing with the phenomenon. This will require you to know what gaslighting is and understand manipulation techniques used by those who employ it. The saying that knowledge is power applies here: be equipped with information to help you see when someone gaslights you and respond accordingly. (Hailes & Goodman, 2023) - Seek Support
No one should suffer alone. Trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals should be reached out for support. Gaslighting thrives where there’s no one around; that’s why people with narcissistic personality disorder are involved in domestic violence or abusive relationships. So, putting yourself in a network of support provides validation and perspective. Speaking about your experiences with others will enable you to better comprehend and have confidence in your reality. (Graves & Spencer, 2023)) - Set Boundaries
It’s not easy to handle gaslighting without establishing boundaries because they stop the nonsense from continuing on its path. Clearly state what you need from this person who offends you every time; let him/her know of outcomes if he/she crosses these lines set by you! Take note that even if it means staying away from toxic people, you have a right to prioritse your mental/emotional health. (March,et.al., 2023 - Keep a Record
One of the ways through which gaslighting may distort reality is by denying past conversations or events. Taking records, such as saving text messages or writing down conversations, can be tangible evidence of your experiences. This serves as an evidence base against which you can judge your perceptions and make the abuser responsible for their actions. (Hammer & Kavanaugh, 2024) - Practice Self-Care
The fact that gas lighting involves taking care of oneself mentally and emotionally necessitates self-care and a sense of self. Such activities include meditation, exercising, creative arts, or spending quality time with loved ones, which one can use for growth and self-empowerment. Choose things that bring joy to life while helping one reconnect with one’s self-worth. (Sodoma, 2022) - Consider Professional Help
Do not keep suffering silently once gaslighting has affected your life so much. Seek help from professionals or call a domestic violence hotline if you experience gaslighting or psychological abuse at home. Therapy helps you to find answers, explains your feelings, and opens up the healing process. A qualified therapist who can impart anti-destructive techniques to help recover your self-worth and resilience will also be part of the team. (Hammer & Kavanaugh, 2024)
That being said, you are not alone and deserve to live in a reality where your experiences and perceptions are recognised. By taking the initiative to resolve gaslighting issues, you put your well-being first, hence reclaiming your sanity and control over your life.
Finding Clarity and Empowerment: How InPsychful Supports Those Affected by Gaslighting
Gaslighting makes it feel like individuals have lost their way, are confused, or are separated from themselves. InPsychful aims to support people who experience this type of abuse for them to understand gaslighting fully and regain control over their lives.
Gaslighting can also confuse and even paralyse your thought process. At Inpsychful, our therapists provide a safe space where clients can explore their experiences and emotions without judgement. This will help untangle your thoughts and bring you clarity amidst all the chaos.
This manipulation technique of gaslighting often induces anxiety and stress in individuals because they struggle with these two contrary narratives that are presented by others. So, we assist you in breaking down these obstacles so you can keep living. By utilising therapy techniques built on scientific findings, we will teach you how to manage anxiety, stress relief practices, and inner strength-building exercises too;
From Feeling Lost to Finding Direction: Charting Your Path Forward
Individuals often get lost and uncertain about the future after a gaslighting experience. Whether you are struggling with the long-term effects of gaslighting or need guidance in transitioning through different stages of life, InPsychful is here for you. Our therapists work collaboratively with patients to determine their aspirations, discover their values, and have a clear direction.
Gaslighting is mostly present in relationships characterised by manipulation and control. InPsychful offers a sanctuary for people desiring to escape such toxic patterns while fostering healthy connections. Our counsellors provide empathy, encouragement, and practical approaches to establishing healthy boundaries and enhancing relationships.
InPsychful places great importance on your privacy and confidentiality. We recognise how delicate it can be to talk about experiences related to gaslighting; hence, we ensure that our sessions are completely confidential. You can trust us with your secrets whenever you feel like talking about your feelings or experiences without judgment. If you’re on your way to recovery from gaslighting but need more support, contact us today so you may start living a better, stress-free life.
Citations:
Abramson, K. (2014). TURNING UP THE LIGHTS ON GASLIGHTING. Philosophical Perspectives, 28, 1–30. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26614542
Calef, V., & Weinshel, E. M. (1981). Some Clinical Consequences of Introjection: Gaslighting. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 50(1), 44–66. https://doi.org/10.1080/21674086.1981.11926942
Miano, P., Bellomare, M., & Genova, V. G. (2021). Personality correlates of gaslighting behaviours in young adults. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 27(3), 285–298. https://doi.org/10.1080/13552600.2020.1850893
Sodoma, K. A. (2022). Emotional Gaslighting and Affective Empathy. International Journal of Philosophical Studies, 30(3), 320–338. https://doi.org/10.1080/09672559.2022.2121894
Hailes, H.P., Goodman, L.A. “They’re out to take away your sanity”: A qualitative investigation of gaslighting in intimate partner violence. J Fam Viol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-023-00652-1
March, E., Kay, C.S., Dinić, B.M. et al. “It’s All in Your Head”: Personality Traits and Gaslighting Tactics in Intimate Relationships. J Fam Viol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-023-00582-y
Graves, C. G., & Spencer, L. G. (2023). What communication brings to the study of gaslighting: metatheory toward interdisciplinarity. Review of Communication, 23(2), 136–149. https://doi.org/10.1080/15358593.2022.2144426
Hammer, T. R., & Kavanaugh, K. E. (2024). A Relational Exploration of Captain Marvel as A Therapeutic Tool to Understand Gaslighting. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 19(2), 244–250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2023.2166185