October 2021

Our previous topic was about common gaslighting phrases. Now that we know what gaslighting looks like, here are a few tips for responding and restoring a sense of peace and control.

Focus on the truth

It’s easy to feel distressed and overwhelmed when you’re being gaslit, but remaining calm can help you remember what actually happened, reassuring you that you’re not crazy. Focusing on the truth can help boost your confidence and make it easier to handle the gaslighting going forward.

Take a break

If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break from the conversation and revisit it later when you feel more calm.

Go for a walk

Briefly stepping outside can help you clear your mind and refocus.

Speak up

Gaslighting can involve criticism and insults. Don’t be afraid to calmly and politely speak up. This shows them that you are aware of what’s going on and that you won’t except their behavior.

Involve Human Resources

If the gaslighting happens at work, your human resources department may also offer support.

Involve someone

Seeking input from different people in your life can help reinforce your knowledge that you aren’t confused, “crazy,” or losing your memory. Someone trying to use gaslighting tactics will typically have a harder time manipulating more than one person.

Collect evidence

Documenting your interactions can help you keep track of the truth.

Here are a few ways to collect evidence:

Take screenshots and save emails.

Note dates and times of conversations.

Seek Professional Help

A mental health professional can help you learn more about the situation, gain perspective, and develop new coping strategies that can help you deal with the behavior.

Remember that you are not to blame for gaslighting & you are not responsible for the actions of others.

At CWC Coaching, our team consists of licensed therapists, life coaches, and counselors. We assist clients with self-improvement, career development, negative self-talk, psychological pain, self-sabotaging behavior, past hurts and finding your purpose. If you are ready to increase your self-awareness and happiness, breakthrough limiting behavior and understand your purpose in life, we’d love to help guide you on this journey.

The term “gaslighting” refers to the manipulation of someone, by psychological means, into questioning their own reality, perception, or sanity. The term originated from the 1938 play (and 1944 film adaptation) Gaslight, where the protagonist’s husband slowly manipulates her into believing she’s going mad.

Gaslighting usually takes place in relationships and social interactions where there is a power imbalance. A person experiencing gaslighting may become confused, withdrawn, or anxious and they may not realize the behavior is abusive.

Here are some common gaslighting phrases:

“You need help”
“You’re just crazy”
“It was just a joke”
“You’re just insecure/jealous”
“You’re too sensitive
“You’re overreacting.”
“You’re just being paranoid.”
“You’re imagining things.”
“That never happened.”
“You’re just overthinking it.”

People experiencing gaslighting often find it challenging to trust themselves. Gaslighting is abusive, it can wreak havoc on the mind, and it’s damaging to relationships.

Stay tuned for the next topic: How to Handle Gaslighting

At CWC Coaching, our team consists of licensed therapists, life coaches, and counselors. We assist clients with self-improvement, career development, negative self-talk, psychological pain, self-sabotaging behavior, past hurts and finding your purpose. If you are ready to increase your self-awareness and happiness, breakthrough limiting behavior and understand your purpose in life, we’d love to help guide you on this journey.