Gaslighting: When Doubt Replaces Reality

Gaslighting is one of the most insidious forms of psychological manipulation. It doesn’t leave physical scars, but its emotional and mental impact can be long-lasting. Whether it occurs in romantic relationships, families, friendships, or workplaces, gaslighting chips away at a person’s ability to trust their own thoughts, emotions, and perceptions.

What Is Gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse where someone intentionally or repeatedly causes another person to question their reality. It may start subtly, with dismissive remarks or minimizing feelings, but over time, it escalates. The result? Confusion, self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional instability.

Common phrases that signal gaslighting include:

• “You’re overreacting.”

• “That never happened.”

• “You’re too sensitive.”

• “You always twist things.”

• “You’re imagining things.”

The goal of gaslighting is often control. When a person no longer trusts themselves, they’re more likely to rely on the gaslighter for direction, validation, or even reality itself.

How Gaslighting Affects Mental Health

People who have been gaslit often feel like they are "losing their minds." They may:

• Constantly second-guess themselves

• Apologise excessively

• Feel confused or "foggy"

• Struggle with low self-esteem

• Withdraw from others out of shame or doubt

• Avoid expressing their needs or boundaries

Over time, gaslighting can lead to anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of trauma.

Why It’s So Hard to Recognise

Gaslighting rarely starts with obvious manipulation. It often begins with trust and love. The gaslighter may appear caring or convincing at first. They may frame their behaviour as "just trying to help" or "being honest." This makes it harder for the person experiencing it to realise what's happening, and harder still to speak up.

Gaslighting thrives in silence and self-doubt. That’s why awareness is the first step toward healing.

Healing from Gaslighting

Recovering from gaslighting involves rebuilding your sense of self and learning to trust your inner voice again. Therapy can help you:

• Identify patterns of emotional manipulation

• Reconnect with your intuition and instincts

• Set clear, healthy boundaries

• Regain confidence in your thoughts and feelings

• Heal from emotional wounds at your own pace

You don’t have to face it alone. The process of healing from gaslighting may take time, but it is absolutely possible.

A Note of Encouragement

If someone made you feel small, confused, or like your emotions were invalid, that wasn’t your fault. You are not too sensitive. Your memory is not broken. And your feelings matter.

At JSI Psychology, our team of clinical psychologists provides a compassionate, professional space where you can rediscover your voice, reclaim your truth, and begin your healing journey.

You deserve relationships rooted in respect, clarity, and care.

Let’s help you get there, one session at a time.