✨Gas Lighting
What is it? Where does the Term Gaslighting Come From?
The term "gaslighting" comes from a 1930s play called Gas Light (known as Angel Street in the U.S.), where a husband manipulates his wife into believing she’s losing her sanity. He does this by subtly altering her environment and denying any changes, such as dimming the gaslights in their home. When she notices the change and mentions it, he insists she’s imagining things, making her question her own perception of reality.
By the 1960s, "gaslighting" became a term used to describe the manipulation of someone's perception of reality. It is often a tactic in intimate partner violence (IPV) but can also occur in other relationships, such as between parents and children or caregivers and elderly individuals.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that can severely damage a person’s mental health. The goal is to make the victim doubt their own thoughts, memories, and perceptions, ultimately causing them to lose trust in their sense of reality. This leads the victim to question their sanity, and when this happens, the abuser gains control.
If the victim reaches the point of questioning their own sanity, they may be labeled as insane or unstable in legal and medical contexts, leaving the abuser with control over their life, finances, and decisions.
Breaking Up with a Gaslighter
Breaking up with a gaslighter is emotionally draining. The target often experiences anger, frustration, sadness, and confusion. When confronted with a breakup, a gaslighter will use tactics like deceit, distortion of reality, and defensive attacks. This makes separation emotionally exhausting, requiring psychological strength.
Long-Term Effects of Gaslighting:
-
Anxiety
-
Depression
-
PTSD
-
Brain damage
-
Suicidal ideation
-
Low self-esteem
Example of Gaslighting:
Imagine I offer you a banana but insist it's an apple. You clearly see a banana, but I confidently tell you it's an apple. When you resist, I accuse you of "fighting" with me, and soon, you're questioning your own perception. This manipulation causes you to apologize for something you didn’t do, further destabilizing your sense of reality.
In this example, I— the gaslighter— confuse and manipulate you into doubting what you see with your own eyes. You end up apologizing for your confusion, strengthening my control over you.
Common Signs of Gaslighting:
Gaslighting can happen in stages, and common tactics include:
-
Denying reality: The gaslighter denies events or statements to confuse you.
-
Lying: Gaslighters lie with such conviction that it makes you doubt the truth.
-
Projection: They accuse others of the gaslighter’s own faults.
-
Isolation: Gaslighters manipulate you to turn against friends or family, making you more dependent on them.
-
Inconsistent actions: Their actions don’t match their words, making you question your perception of reality.
Escaping a Gaslighter:
It’s vital to:
-
Stay aware: Pay attention to details—this helps protect you later.
-
Build belief in yourself: Gaslighters aim to make you doubt your core beliefs and memories. Stay strong.
-
Keep it simple: Don't engage in lengthy explanations. The less you give them to manipulate, the better.
-
Don’t let them believe they convinced you: Gaslighters will continue to manipulate you if they think you’ve given in.
-
Remember, it’s not your fault: Their goal is to confuse and hurt you, but you deserve better.
-
Don’t try to “win”: Don’t engage in a battle of wits. It could escalate the situation and cause further harm.
-
Don’t look back: When you leave, they will fight to make it seem like you were the problem. Leave and focus on yourself.
Recovering from the Damage:
There are vitamins like D and B12 that can help restore brain function and alleviate some of the mental effects caused by gaslighting. Often, survivors of abuse are prescribed SSRIs (antidepressants), but these medications don't address the underlying issue and may have side effects that worsen symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Awareness of Gaslighting in the Medical World:
Gaslighting isn’t limited to personal relationships; it can also occur in medical settings, especially with mental health diagnoses. Some doctors may dismiss your symptoms because old tests or outdated beliefs suggest you’re fine. This can lead to improper treatment, making it harder to get the help you need.
Recovery and Breaking the Stigma:
Gaslighting can be emotionally abusive, leaving victims broken and unable to trust their own perceptions. Though therapy is highly recommended, many survivors can’t afford it. Thankfully, there are simple methods and “hacks” that can help you regain confidence and control over your thoughts, even at home. These tools are often taught in therapy and can be life-changing for those dealing with the aftermath of gaslighting.
Stay strong, fight for your mental health, and never forget that you deserve a life free from manipulation and control.
NueroHacks
Recovery
✨Stay Strong✨Keep Fighting✨
( Original manuscript was run thru ChatCPT to "fix/edit")
OpenAI. (2025, March 22). Gaslighting and its effects. ChatGPT. https://chat.openai.com