Emotional Abuse: Identify, Admit, Heal, 'IN"power
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which a person manipulates and undermines the victim's perceptions, memories, and sense of reality. It is a tactic used to gain power and control over the victim, often causing them to question their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Gaslighting can occur in a variety of relationships, including romantic relationships, friendships, and familial relationships. Signs of gaslighting include:
Denying that certain events or conversations took place
Making the victim doubt their own memories and perceptions
Blaming the victim for their own abusive behavior
Isolating the victim from their support network
Making the victim feel like they are going crazy
Gaslighting can have serious psychological and emotional effects on the victim, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and a sense of powerlessness. If you suspect that you are being gaslit, it is important to seek support and get help from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. It isn't always clear when we are being manipulated, especially if you lean into open-heartedness, open trust, and compassion for others. It is crucial to begin to notice if your "inner" ecology is beginning to question what is happening inside verses what is happening in our reality. Often when we are experiencing emotional abuse one will start to notice that we are over thinking and hiding our struggles inside.
Keeping important truths inside can have negative effects on mental health. Some possible effects include:
Repressed emotions: When you keep important truths inside, you may struggle to process and deal with your emotions. This can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness that are difficult to manage.
Increased stress: Keeping secrets can be stressful, as you may feel pressure to hide your true thoughts and feelings. This can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and stress and contribute to a variety of physical illness.
Decreased self-esteem: If you feel that you cannot be open and honest about who you are and what you believe, it can lead to a decline in self-esteem and self-worth.
Isolation: If you feel that you cannot be honest with others, you may start to feel isolated and disconnected from others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and a lack of support.
Difficulty forming close relationships: Keeping important truths inside can make it difficult to form close, honest relationships with others. This can lead to a lack of intimacy and connection in your relationships.
It can be challenging to share your story if you have been suppressed or gaslit, as these experiences can leave you feeling invalidated and unsure of yourself. However, it is often essential to tell your story and share your truth in order to heal and move forward. Here are some tips for telling your story if you have been suppressed or gaslit:
Find a safe and supportive environment: It's important to have someone who will listen to you without judgment and offer you the support you need. This could be a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or support group.