ARE YOU EXPERIENCING THIS?

Gaslighting
a psychological abuse in which a
person or group causes someone
to question their own sanity,
memories, or perception of reality

@ABBIESHARES
Gaslighting has become a popular term nowadays, and has been applied in conversations
pertaining not only to partners but also to family members, relatives and etc. But what does
it really mean and how can we know if we’re being gaslighted?
You have this thought of second-guessing yourself constantly. This makes you feel
overwhelmed, confused, and uncertain about your ability to make decisions on your own.

How can we respond to this?

1. Turn to loved ones- If you started to distance yourself from your loved ones, keep in mind
that isolation can only make gaslighting more successful.
2. Take notes- It’s often easier to question yourself about an argument or discussion that
happened days ago. Recording events immediately after they happen provides evidence
you don’t need to second-guess. Jotting down highlights from a conversation or using a
smartphone app to record your argument offers something to review when your memory is
called into question. You may not feel comfortable confronting the person, but your notes
can help you recognize what’s happening.
3. Set clear boundaries- Establishing boundaries can interrupt someone’s attempts to
gaslight you and provide some physical and emotional space.
4. Hold on to the things that make you who you are- This often involves a loss of personal
identity. Over time, you might begin to feel like you’ve changed beyond recognition, or
become numb and hollow. Living in a constant state of nervousness and worry can leave
you with little energy for self-care or your own interests. Yet making time to meet your
physical and emotional needs can help you reclaim your energy and hold on to your sense
of self. You might even find it easier to navigate and challenge attempts to gaslight you,
as a result.
5. Seeking help- Support from a mental health professional can go a long way toward
helping you recognize and come to terms with the gaslighting and begin working through
it. A therapist can offer an unbiased perspective on gaslighting, along with
compassionate guidance.

Gaslighting may start out gradually, but this subtle manipulation can cause deep and lasting
harm. Be aware of yourself, help yourself begin to identify gaslighting and offer support
with addressing its impact productively, without losing yourself in the process.

#gaslighting
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