Gaslighting and other forms of emotional abuse have a significant effect on someone’s well-being. The mental health impact of gaslighting includes feelings of powerlessness, confusion, isolation, disorientation, and low self-esteem. The more awareness about this form of emotional abuse can help people avoid threatening and unhealthy relationships.
To spot gaslighting, look for patterns of behavior where someone consistently denies, distorts, or minimizes your reality, feelings, or experiences, leading to confusion and self-doubt.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of signs & examples:
Constant Second-Guessing: You find yourself frequently questioning your own memory, perception, or sanity.
Feeling Confused or Crazy: You experience a sense of disorientation and uncertainty, even in familiar situations.
Denial and Minimization: The gaslighter denies events or actions that you know occurred, or trivializes your feelings and experiences.
Blame-Shifting: You are blamed for things that are not your fault, or for the gaslighter’s own actions.
Lies and Distortions: The gaslighter consistently lies, manipulates, or twists the truth to control the narrative.
Isolation: You may feel increasingly isolated from friends and family, as the gaslighter tries to control your relationships.
“You’re Too Sensitive” or “You’re Overreacting”: The gaslighter dismisses your feelings or reactions by saying you are overly emotional or irrational.
Using What You Love Against You: The gaslighter uses your vulnerabilities or things you care about to manipulate you.
Losing Your Sense of Self: You start to lose your sense of identity and what is real, as the gaslighter’s distortions become your reality.
Words Versus Actions: The gaslighter’s words and actions contradict each other, creating confusion and distrust.
Love and Flattery: The gaslighter may use excessive praise or flattery to manipulate you, followed by criticism and belittlement.
