Understanding Gaslighting: Instances and Responses
In various contexts, such as personal relationships, workplaces, and social settings, gaslighting - a form of psychological manipulation - can occur. This insidious behaviour, named after the 1938 play and 1944 film "Gaslight," can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, leading to confusion, self-doubt, and feelings of powerlessness.
Gaslighting is not exclusive to romantic relationships. It can manifest in familial, professional, and social settings, often beginning subtly with the abusive person gaining trust before suggesting that their victim is unreliable, forgetful, or mentally unstable.
While not all narcissists engage in gaslighting, those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may use this tactic due to their sense of entitlement, grandiose self-views, and lack of empathy. People with NPD may exhibit abusive behaviour, including gaslighting, and can be found in intimate relationships, child-parent relationships, racial settings, workplace settings, and within companies, organisations, or institutions.
Some examples of gaslighting at work include denial and distortion of facts, emotional manipulation, blame shifting, exclusion from important decisions, minimization of achievements, disparaging remarks disguised as humour, questioning one's perception and memory, and managerial victimhood.
To identify gaslighting, one should gather proof by keeping a secret diary, talking with someone trustworthy, taking pictures, keeping voice memos, and ensuring the gaslighter does not become aware of any recorded evidence. It is essential to remember that the difference between gaslighting and manipulation lies in the former causing someone to question their sanity, memories, or perception of reality, while the latter is behaviour designed to exploit, control, or influence others to one's advantage.
If you find yourself a victim of gaslighting, it is crucial to seek support from a local domestic abuse organisation or a mental health professional. Domestic abuse organisations and mental health professionals can help create safety plans and address the mental impact of gaslighting. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 support via phone and text, while the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website provides resources and helplines classified by demographics, such as support specifically for People of Color.
In cases of immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency help. Remember, it is never your fault if you are a victim of gaslighting, and help is available.
Lastly, after reading an article about gaslighting, it's important to clear browser history to avoid potential monitoring. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides additional tips on internet safety. Keeping evidence private, particularly if the abusive person shares a home or workspace, is also crucial.
By understanding gaslighting and its signs, we can take steps towards recognising and overcoming this insidious form of psychological manipulation.
- PTSD, depression, and feelings of powerlessness can be effects of gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation that occurs in various settings, including personal relationships, workplaces, and social circles.
- Narcissists with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may use gaslighting, a tactic employed for their sense of entitlement, grandiose self-views, and lack of empathy, in intimate relationships, child-parent relationships, racial settings, workplace settings, and within companies, organisations, or institutions.
- Memory questioning, denial and distortion of facts, emotional manipulation, and managerial victimhood are examples of gaslighting that can be found in work settings.
- To protect oneself from being caught while documenting gaslighting evidence, it's advisable to keep secret diaries, talk with trustworthy individuals, take pictures, and ensure the gaslighter does not become aware of any recorded evidence.
- If encountered with gaslighting, seeking support from local domestic abuse organisations, mental health professionals, or national helplines specific to demographic groups such as People of Color can be beneficial in creating safety plans and addressing the mental impact.
- Clearing browser history after reading gaslighting-related articles is important to avoid potential monitoring, and keeping evidence private is crucial, particularly when the abusive person shares a home or workspace.
- Awareness and understanding of gaslighting can help in identifying and overcoming its insidious effects on mental health, relationships, and overall lifestyle and well-being.
