"The surest way to lose yourself – worth is by trying to find it through the eyes of others.”
According to Psychology Today, "Gaslighting is a form of persistent manipulation and brainwashing that causes the victim to doubt her or himself, and ultimately lose her or his sense of perception, identity, and self-worth. It is an insidious form of manipulation and psychological control. The term derives its name from a 1938 play, Gas Light, (wherein a husband attempts to drive his wife crazy using a variety of tricks causing her to question her own perceptions and sanity) and a film adaptation starring Ingrid Bergman”.
Gaslighting is more a play for power over the other person, it starts with small instances but grows into the Gaslightee questioning and doubting themselves over everything they do. It can create difficulties in managing not only your daily life but even hamper your focus, thinking capacity, decision making skills, self – worth and your self- esteem.
Gaslighting is considered to be a means of emotional abuse, wherein the victim is tricked into believing that their own thoughts, perceptions and memories aren’t true and the victims come to believe whatever their abuser is telling them despite their own experience.
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF IF YOU ARE BEING GASLIGHTED:
Identify the Signs: It can get quite confusing to understand what’s going on but trying to identify the signs is the first step to helping yourself.
Recognize and Acknowledge Your Own Thoughts and Perceptions: Your thoughts, perceptions, feelings, emotions and values are important and you need to put them at the forefront.
Cut the Cord: The way Gaslighting works, the Gaslightee may share an emotional relationship with the Gaslighter and it may be difficult to cut the cord from them. It is important to understand that no matter how close you may be its crucial to your self – worth to cut that person out of your life.
Talk To A Friend: Seeking the opinion of a friend and accepting their help would be useful.
Put Yourself First: You have a responsibility to yourself and you need to understand and give your feelings and perceptions more precedence.
Seek Professional Help: Consulting a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist would be very helpful. With the help of a professional one can understand how to deal with Gaslighting and take corrective measures to help yourself.
"Nothing can dim the light that shines from within” – Maya Angelou.