Gaslighting: WHAT IS IT?

A growing trend on social media and online in general is therapy speak. I have seen many videos online in which therapists and non-therapists discuss terms often used during therapy. The prevalence of therapy speak has grown to the point that some terminology has become incorporated into online slang. 

One such term is "gaslighting." Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that targets people's reality and self-worth. This term has become very prevalent online, especially when discussing romantic relationships. As someone who uses social media daily, I became curious as to what gaslighting is from a professional mental health perspective. 

According to an article by therapy.com, gaslighting can occur in various relationships: romantic, friendship, familial, workplace, and societally.

• In relationships, gaslighting can look like invalidating someone's emotional reality, rewriting shared experiences, and isolating their partner to gain control over them.
• Gaslighting in friendships can include downplaying achievements, gossiping, and defecting blame to dominate the friendship. 
• In families, gaslighting includes denying people's worth and creating guilt by rewriting history to control the narrative and shape power dynamics.
• Gaslighting in the workplace can be used to gain dominance and includes erasing others' contributions, setting unrealistic expectations, and providing conflicting feedback. 
• Societally, gaslighting can be used to manipulate public opinions, spread misinformation, and weaken institutions. Examples include gaslighting in social media, politics, and healthcare. 

Knowing what gaslighting can look like can help us respond to these situations. If you are experiencing gaslighting, you should trust your instincts by validating your emotions and acknowledging them. Document your interactions so you can reference them and ground yourself in your reality. Remember to set your boundaries, even if this includes distancing yourself or cutting ties. And, as always, seek professional help for strategies and support.

Blog by Norma
Source: “Gaslighting Examples: How to Recognize It and Respond.” Therapist.Com, 12 June 2024, therapist.com/behaviors/gaslighting/gaslighting-examples/?utm_campaign=tcom_articles&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=315846184&utm_content=315846336&utm_source=hs_email.