Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse where the victim is manipulated into questioning his/her own judgment through mental denigration. Typically, Gaslighters are looking to seek power and control over the other person by distorting reality and causing them to question their own judgments.
What is an example of gaslighting?
Gaslighting occurs when an abuser attempts to control a victim through their sense of reality. An example of gaslighting would be a partner doing inherently abusive things and then insisting their behavior didn't happen. Gaslighters may also have their victims convinced the limitations of their intellect or consciousness.
Mental health impacts of gaslighting.
The most damaging gaslighting symptoms are those that sprout in a victim's mind and then start to undermine their confidence and belief in themselves. Here are some of the mental health impacts of gaslighting.
- Making excuses for your partner's behavior to family and friends
- Constantly second-guessing yourself
- Blaming yourself for the way the other person treats you
- Trying to convince yourself that their conduct isn't that bad
- Walking on eggshells around the other person
- Believing you are too sensitive—these are just a few of the symptoms you may experience as a result of your partner's mistreatment.
- Having an urge to apologize for even the smallest mistake