(720) 845-6600
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that can have serious effects on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. By questioning their own perceptions and memories, a person may experience confusion, self-doubt, and a loss of self-esteem. Over time, gaslighting can erode a person’s sense of self-worth and lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.
The Trauma of Gaslighting
Gaslighting can cause trauma that deeply affects a person’s sense of self and their understanding of reality. It can be incredibly confusing and disorienting, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-esteem. Over time, the constant gaslighting can cause a person to question their own sanity, making them feel isolated and disconnected from the world around them. Gaslighting can be very difficult to recover from and may result in long-lasting trauma that affects a person’s ability to form healthy relationships, trust others, and maintain a sense of self-worth.
Gaslighting and PTSD
According to the DSM-5, exposure to gaslighting can be a contributing factor to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Gaslighting involves a systematic pattern of manipulation and invalidation designed to make the victim doubt their own perceptions and sanity. Over time, this can lead to a range of symptoms that may be consistent with PTSD, such as hypervigilance, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and feelings of anxiety or depression.
Signs of Gaslighting
Here are some signs that you may be experiencing gaslighting:
- You frequently second-guess yourself and your own judgment.
- You feel confused or disoriented when talking to the person who is gaslighting you.
- You find yourself apologizing all the time, even when you don’t think you did anything wrong.
- You feel like you can’t do anything right and that you’re constantly making mistakes.
- You feel like you’re going crazy and losing your mind.
- You often feel anxious or fearful around the person who is gaslighting you.
- You feel like you’re walking on eggshells and have to be careful about what you say or do.
- You feel like you’re losing your sense of self and don’t know who you are anymore.
Seeking Help for Gaslighting
Contact our Boulder, Colorado office for a free 20-minute phone consultation if you’re experiencing any of these signs and are interested in counseling related to a difficult relationship. We also offer telehealth throughout the state of Colorado.
We can help you recognize and heal from the effects of gaslighting, regain your sense of self-worth, and learn to form healthy relationships. Don’t suffer alone, reach out for help today. https://somethingwildwellness.com/contact/
