If you’ve ever been in a conflict where this occurred, you may have beengaslighted.
How Gaslighting Works
Gaslighting is amanipulation techniquethat causes you to reconsider your own reality as potentially untrue.
As you might expect, gaslighting is deeply hurtful to those who are victims of it.
Alice Morgan for Verywell Mind / Getty Images
When someone else systematically breaks down our concept of reality, it can make us feel crazy.
You know your reality to be true, and you won’t be convinced otherwise!
Responding to it is a way of reclaiming your self-respect and confidence.
Throughout your communication, you’ll want to affirm your own reality repeatedly.
Science supports this, and studies show that gaslighting can even lead to psychosis.
The good news about gaslighting is that you don’t have to accept it.
Taking Care of Yourself
Because it’s a form of abuse, gaslighting is very serious.
You’ll need to actively take steps to maintain your own wellness and sense of self.
“This also allows them to avoid being accountable for their behavior,” she explains.
In addition to performing acts of relaxation and self-care, you will want to find the support of others.
“Surrounding yourself with truly supportive and uplifting people is really helpful,” says Le Goy.
You also may need to let go of the idea that you’re able to’t move on withoutclosure.
Learn to be ok with not receiving an apology or acknowledgment of their gaslighting," suggests Le Goy.
It’s a form of abuse, and it should never be tolerated.
People who gaslight are manipulative and you do not need to accept their behavior.
Affirm your reality and your understanding of it, and find support from those you love.
Therapy is an excellent choice to help you get through this difficult time.
Klein W, Li S, Wood S.A qualitative analysis of gaslighting in romantic relationships.Personal Relationships.
2023;30(4):1316-1340.
An exploratory study of personality factors related to psychological abuse and gaslighting- proquest.
