![](https://psychicmonday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/claudia-wolff-owBcefxgrIE-unsplash-1000x600.jpg)
Are You a Victim of Gaslighting? Here Are Tell-Tale Signs That You Are Being Manipulated
![](https://psychicmonday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/claudia-wolff-owBcefxgrIE-unsplash-1000x600.jpg)
Gaslighting is never acceptable from any angle, and for psychotherapists, it’s a serious matter to be dealt with. It happens when a person tries to persuade you into another way of thinking, oftentimes convincing you that you are losing touch with what’s real, so in short, you are being manipulated.
Through time, repeated gaslighting will make you feel that you really can’t trust your own gut and chances are, you’ll take whatever it is that you are told. While you may have heard of this concept in casual conversations, it’s a problem that should be addressed because victims don’t easily recognize that they are under a spell.
Pretending to Be Concerned
Most gaslighters tend to show their victims that they care for them, especially for their psychological health but in reality, it’s actually the opposite. For instance, they will underline how ‘disturbing’ it is that you can’t find your wallet, thereby prompting you to be anxious.
![](http://rethinkstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/thiago-barletta-36tX9ncYlzw-unsplash.jpg)
Thiago Barletta/Unsplash — They may show that they are concerned
But the truth is that they hid it from you, and the worst part is that you had no idea that they did that. Along the way, you’ll think that you’re not in the right mind or you’re vulnerable so you just keep questioning yourself.
Denying What’s True
It’s impossible to think that people can lie or hide information from you. But small or big, deception is deception. Gaslighters tend to cover up a lot of things from you make you question your own intuition.
For instance, they may insist that something didn’t happen when you perfectly remember what really transpired. They may also assert that you did something crazy yesterday when you really didn’t – in short, they want to sow the seed of self-doubt in you.
Criticizing Seeking Help
Gaslighters can make you feel that seeking help validates their speculations that you really are mentally ill. They may also say that you are ‘unfixable’ and that no professional can ever help you become well again.
Use Feeling Against You
It isn’t wrong to feel emotional or down sometimes, so people telling you that you’re crazy or a wreck just because of how you feel is downright gaslighting. Expressing anger, sadness, frustration, or fear will be used against you by these vile individuals.
![](http://rethinkstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ben-white-e92L8PwcHD4-unsplash.jpg)
Ben White/Unsplash — People will often invalidate how you feel
They will tell you how unreasonable you are or how irrational your feelings are. Because of this, you often have to apologize for how you feel.
Isolate You from Others
What gaslighters often do is to separate you from your support group. They will manipulate you into thinking that your friends and family are backstabbing you or are fed up with you when in fact, that has never been the case.
![](http://rethinkstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/zohre-nemati-hdrudRmTaes-unsplash.jpg)
Zohre Nemati/Unsplash — They will take you away from your supporters
Some even go as far as talking to your peers and telling them about your problems, prompting your friends to ask you if you’re OK. The question, while they mean well, is enough to make you feel that something really is wrong.
More in Love Life
-
`
5 Effective Ways to Provide Support for Mental Wellbeing in 2024
In a fast-paced world where stress and anxiety seem to lurk around every corner, prioritizing mental wellness has become more crucial...
March 11, 2024 -
`
6 Innovative Strategies to Cultivate Meaning in Your Life
Have you ever pondered the essence of your existence, the very fabric that weaves the tapestry of your life? Each of...
March 4, 2024 -
`
5 Essential Questions You Must Ask Your Couples Therapist
What Is Your Experience and Specialization in Couples Therapy? Imagine you are hiring a chef. You would not want someone whose...
February 26, 2024 -
`
Celebrity Exes Who Are Still on Friendly Terms!
Celebrity breakups are often messy affairs that play out in the public eye, with tabloids and social media outlets speculating on...
February 22, 2024 -
`
Financial Wellness Retreats: Combining Vacation and Money Management Education
In today’s modern world, where the hustle of everyday life often leaves little room for personal development, especially in areas like...
February 14, 2024 -
`
Understanding OCD: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
In the vast tapestry of the human experience, few conditions have intrigued and perplexed us like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Characterized by...
February 13, 2024 -
`
How Tiny Lifestyle Changes Can Help Overcome Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a condition marked by extreme mood swings. It can often make life seem like an unpredictable journey. However,...
February 6, 2024 -
`
The Role of Relationships in Retirement: Marriage, Cohabitation, and Financial Futures
Picture this: you’ve finally retired. The sun-drenched beaches, leisurely mornings, and long-awaited freedom beckon. But amidst the celebratory buzz, a silent...
January 30, 2024 -
`
How to Keep Your Towel Always Fresh & Smelling Great? 5 Creative Tips
Use Vinegar and Baking Soda AS Detergents Forget about the fancy detergents. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are right in your pantry....
January 22, 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login