Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which the abuser attempts to sow self-doubt and confusion in their victims mind. The term "gaslighting" comes from the name of a 1938 play and 1944 film, Gaslight, in which a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she has a mental illness. Gaslighting is a covert form of emotional abuse that makes people think they are losing their sanity. It is an extremely effective form of emotional abuse that causes a victim to question their own feelings, instincts, and sanity.
Some examples of gaslighting include countering, withholding, trivializing, and denial. Countering is when someone questions a person's memory, while withholding involves someone pretending they do not understand the victim's point of view. Trivializing is when someone belittles the victim's feelings or experiences, and denial is when someone denies that something happened or that they said something.
If you suspect that you are being gaslit, it is important to seek help and support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. It is also important to set boundaries and communicate your needs clearly to the person who is gaslighting you. Remember that gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse, and you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.
