Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which a person or group causes someone to question their own sanity, memories, or perception. The term "gaslighting" comes from the 1938 play Gas Light, in which a husband attempts to drive his wife crazy by dimming the lights in their home and then denies that the light changed when his wife points it out. Gaslighting is a behavior that people learn by watching others, and it can take place in any kind of relationship. A person who uses this tactic may have learned it is an effective way of obtaining what they want or controlling people. Gaslighters are seeking to gain power and control over the other person by distorting reality and forcing them to question their own judgment and intuition.
Some examples of gaslighting include:
- Denying: The abuser denies that something happened, even though the victim knows it did.
- Minimizing: The abuser downplays the victims feelings or experiences, making them feel like they are overreacting or being too sensitive.
- Blaming: The abuser blames the victim for something that is not their fault, making them feel guilty or responsible.
- Twisting: The abuser twists the victim's words or actions to make them seem crazy or irrational.
Gaslighting can cause the victim to doubt their perceptions or sanity, and it can lead to confusion, anxiety, isolation, and depression. It is a tool used to make the victim second guess how they feel or what they think so the aggressor can get the upper hand. If you suspect that you or someone you know is being gaslit, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional or a domestic violence hotline.
