Am I being gaslighted? 8 Ways to Respond

You may have questioned yourself at some point in life, “Am I being gaslighted?”

Abuse and manipulation of an individual’s emotions can take the form of gaslighting. When an abuser or bully gets you to question your beliefs and manipulate how you perceive the world around you, they are engaging in gaslighting. 

Am I being gaslighted? How to Know?

Gaslighting is when someone tries to make you doubt your own thoughts and feelings. It’s like they’re messing with your mind to make you question what you know is true. Imagine you have a favorite blue shirt, and someone keeps telling you it’s green.

 Even though you’re sure it’s blue, they insist it’s green. Over time, you might feel unsure about the color, even though you initially knew it was blue.

This manipulation can happen in various ways. Someone might deny saying things they clearly said, making you wonder if you misunderstood. They might also downplay your emotions, making you feel like your feelings are wrong or exaggerated.

Gaslighting aims to make you feel confused and uncertain, giving the other person more control over the situation. Recognizing these tactics and trusting your instincts is vital to maintain a healthy sense of reality.

“gaslighting” became well known after Dr. Robin Stern’s 2007 book “The Gaslight Effect.” She is co-founder and associate director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

Signs You’re Being Gaslighted

When you question yourself, Am I being gaslighted? Look for the following signs in yourself;

• Constantly denying things they said or did.
• Making you question your memory or perception.
• Minimizing or dismissing your feelings.
• Shifting blame onto you for their actions.
• Creating confusion by contradicting themselves.
• Undermining your confidence and self-esteem.
• Isolating you from friends and family.
• Withholding information to keep you in the dark.
• Projecting their behaviors onto you.

Signs to Spot on When You Question Yourself, ” Am I being Gaslighted”?

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that damages your mental health. Check out these signs of gaslighting when you question yourself: Am I being Gaslighted?

• diminished sense of self-worth and confidence
• Emotional and mental exhaustion from the constant manipulation.
• Fear of expressing your feelings or opinions.
• Difficulty making decisions without seeking validation.
• Gradual withdrawal from activities and relationships.
• Feelings of guilt and shame, even when undeserved.

Why do people gaslight others?

Gaslighting happens when the gaslighter wants to control or dominate you so they can have more power in the relationship. They might feel insecure or need to be in charge, and making you question your thoughts and feelings gives them a sense of power and control.

Others might gaslight because they don’t want to take responsibility for their actions. By making you doubt your perception of reality, they can avoid admitting when they are wrong or have done something hurtful. It’s a way for them to escape accountability and shift the blame onto you.

To avoid manipulation, you must recognize gaslighting and create boundaries. Nobody should make you doubt your thoughts and feelings.

Examples of Gaslighting

How do you come to know, Am I being gaslighted? in your family, relationship, and work dynamics;

In Family Dynamics

That could be gaslighting if you tell someone in your family how you feel about something and they completely ignore you. For example, if you tell them something they said made you feel bad, they might say, “You’re too sensitive; I never said anything like that.” You’re left confused and wondering if you got it wrong, even though you knew what was said.

Gaslighting Relationship

Gaslighting can happen in a toxic relationship when your partner keeps denying things they did or said. For instance, if you bring up a promise they made and they say it never happened, you wonder if you’re remembering things incorrectly.

This kind of influence can make you angry and doubt your abilities as you start to doubt your memory and the truth of your worries.

At Work

When someone else at work takes credit for your ideas and projects, this is called gaslighting. They might say, “I don’t remember you contributing much; maybe you’re not as involved as you think,” if you ask them about it. This can make you feel slighted and wonder what you’ve done, even if you were sure you were involved.

These are all signs of gaslighting that you should be aware of and trust your judgment. Getting support and approval from others can help you keep your sense of reality when things are being manipulated like this.

When To Seek Assistance

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation, and the stress and mental health problems that come with it may make people want to see a doctor.

Suppose gaslighting is impacting your ability to function in daily life, such as at work or in relationships. In that case, consulting with a mental health professional for guidance and support may be helpful.

When gaslighted, they may experience physical signs like headaches, stomach problems, and tense muscles. It’s best to see a doctor if these signs don’t go away and affect your health.

In severe cases, gaslighting can contribute to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you experience such thoughts, seeking immediate medical assistance is crucial.

Why does gaslighting work? 

There are a few reasons why gaslighting works. First, it’s often subtle and gradual. The person being gaslighted may not even realize it’s happening at first. Second, it can be very isolating. The gaslighter may make the victim feel like no one else will believe them or understand what they’re going through.

Third, it can effectively break down the victim’s self-esteem. The gaslighter may constantly criticize them, tell them they’re remembering things wrong, or make them feel overreacting.

8 Ways to Deal With “Am I Being Gaslighted”?

• Recognizing the ways to respond to gaslighting can be challenging, but here are some steps you can take:
• Gaslighters thrive on emotional reactions. Stay calm and collected, and avoid getting drawn into heated debates.
• Don’t doubt your memories when you experience a twisting of reality. Trust your gut and remind yourself that your feelings are valid.
• Note down specific incidents of gaslighting, including dates, times, and what was said or done.
• Keep records of texts, emails, or voice recordings supporting your events.
• Communicate what behavior you won’t tolerate and the consequences of gaslighting.
•  If the gaslighting is persistent or harmful, limit your interactions with the person.
• Consider therapy to understand the dynamics of the situation, develop coping mechanisms, and heal from the emotional abuse that makes you feel worthless. 

Get to know Yourself Again.

Getting to know yourself again after experiencing gaslighting can be a powerful way to rebuild your sense of self and prevent future manipulation. Here are some steps you can take:

Reconnect with your values and interests

Explore past passions and reflect on activities you used to enjoy before the gaslighting began. Rediscovering old hobbies or trying something new can spark joy and connection to yourself.

Identify your core values; what truly matters to you? Please write down your beliefs and strive to make decisions that align with them.

Challenge limiting beliefs; gaslighters often implant negative beliefs about themselves. Challenge these thoughts with evidence and affirmations of your worth.

Seek support and strengthen your network. 

Connect with supportive people, surround yourself with friends, family, or groups who validate your experiences and uplift you.

Seek online communities; online support groups can offer connection and understanding from others who have experienced gaslighting.

Remember, 

This is a journey, not a destination; be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. By taking these steps, you can build a stronger sense of self and become less susceptible to gaslighting in the future. Remind yourself you are worthy of respect and a healthy, supportive environment.

Take the Gaslighted Quiz to find your score.

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