Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which one person seeks to control another. This subtle yet harmful form of control can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, occurring in various settings such as work, school, or home. A coach named Linda Meredith sheds light on this issue in an Instagram post, underscoring the significance of recognising these signs for the sake of one’s mental and emotional well-being.
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- Self-Doubt: Gaslighting typically starts with the subtle planting of seeds of doubt in your mind. If you often find yourself questioning your memories, decisions, and even your ability to understand situations correctly, it could be a red flag. Gaslighters seek to undermine your confidence and make you dependent on their version of reality. Recognising these early signs is crucial to maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.
- Second-Guessing Yourself: Gaslighters excel at making you doubt your thoughts and feelings. If you find that you’re constantly apologising or feel the need to justify your actions, it may be a sign that you are being manipulated. Trusting your instincts becomes challenging as the gaslighter undermines your self-assurance.
- Feeling Confused: Gaslighting thrives on confusion. If you often feel disoriented and unable to trust your memory or perceptions, it may be a result of manipulation. The gaslighter aims to create an environment where you question your sanity, making it easier for them to exert control.
- Using Compassion as a Weapon: Gaslighters may leverage your empathy and compassion against you. They portray themselves as victims, eliciting sympathy to divert attention from their manipulative behaviours. Be wary of instances where your kindness is turned against you as a tool for emotional control.
- Reality Twisting: Gaslighters are adept at twisting and reframing conversations and events to suit their narrative. They may selectively present information or deny previously acknowledged facts. This distortion of reality can leave you feeling bewildered and doubting your perceptions.
- Emotional Roller Coaster: Gaslighting affects a person’s emotional well-being. Take yourself seriously when you experience anxiety, depression, or a constant sense of being on edge while communicating with the person you suspect of gaslighting.
- Repeated Use of Compassion as a Weapon: The manipulation often involves a repeated pattern of using your empathy and compassion against you. Gaslighters may portray themselves as perpetual victims, tugging at your heartstrings to gain sympathy. This emotional manipulation can make it challenging to see through their tactics.
