Gaslighting: The Manipulation Technique Destroying Mental Health
The term 'gaslighting', popularised in the mid-20th century, originates from a 1938 film where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her sanity. Today, it's recognised as a form of psychological manipulation that can cause severe mental health issues.
Gaslighting involves systematically invalidating a person's emotions, facts, and perceptions. It can occur in personal relationships, at work, or among friends. Common signs include constant denial of facts, blaming the victim, invalidating feelings, and isolating the victim. Gaslighters often use phrases like 'You're imagining things', 'You're too emotional', 'This never happened', to make their victims doubt reality.
Psychologist Aigerm Aibeshova warns that gaslighting can gradually destroy a person's personality, leading them to believe there's something wrong with their mental health. It can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and a loss of personal boundaries. Experts advise acknowledging the problem, keeping a journal of facts and situations, seeking support from friends, family, or a psychologist, setting clear boundaries, and if necessary, distancing oneself from the gaslighter.
Gaslighting, with its conceptual roots in psychological manipulation techniques, is a serious issue that can have profound effects on a person's mental health. Understanding its signs and seeking help when needed are crucial steps in protecting oneself from this harmful practice.
