Gaslighting 101

So what exactly is gaslighting? We hear this term thrown around a lot these days, so I thought I would take a quick deep dive into what gaslighting actually is.

Gaslighting is a term used to describe a form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group, making them question their own memory, perception, or sanity. The term originates from a 1938 play, "Gas Light," in which a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her own sanity by dimming the gas lights in their home while denying that the light level has changed.

Gaslighting behavior can range from subtle and insidious to overt and dangerous. It is often employed by abusers, narcissists, sociopaths, and cult leaders to gain control over their victims by distorting reality and undermining their sense of self. This can take many different forms, including lying, denying, deflecting, minimizing, and blaming, as well as withholding information, love, and support.

One of the most insidious effects of gaslighting is that it can cause the targeted person to doubt their own grip on reality. Individuals may begin to second-guess their own perceptions, memories, and experiences, and may feel they are losing their sense of self. This can lead them to question their own judgment, feel isolated, lose a sense of self-worth and strangely enough become even more dependent on the gaslighter for validation and support.

Gaslighters often target specific vulnerabilities in their victims, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or trauma, to more effectively manipulate them. They may also use subtle cues and microaggressions to gradually erode their victim's confidence and self-worth over time. The effects of gaslighting can be profound and long-lasting, often leading to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This in turn has a profound effect on a person’s health.

One of the most important things to remember about gaslighting is that it is a form of abuse. It is not the victim's fault, and it is not a reflection of their worth or intelligence. Gaslighting is a dangerous and insidious form of psychological manipulation that can have profound and long-lasting effects on people. It is important to recognize the signs of gaslighting and to seek help and support if you suspect that you or someone you know is being gaslit. By raising awareness about gaslighting, we can help make people more aware and hopefully prevent this form of abuse in the future.

Mindfulness and Mental Health Issues

Mental health has become a major concern in our contemporary world. With the pressures of daily life growing by the day, we are often juggling work, relationships, and a multitude of responsibilities, which can often lead to stress, anxiety and depression. Mindfulness practice is one highly effective way to mitigate the effects of mental health issues.

Mindfulness is a practice of present-moment awareness that can help people build a sense of mental clarity (awareness) and stability. The practice involves focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment or criticism. This is not easy but it is something we can improve at as we practice mindfulness.

Numerous studies have shown that mindfulness can help to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Researchers have found that individuals who practice mindfulness regularly can improve their emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and decision-making abilities. When an individual is experiencing mental health issues, these three things are compromised.

One reason that mindfulness is so helpful in dealing with mental health issues is that it fosters a sense of acceptance and non-judgment. In practicing awareness of the present moment, we can learn to notice our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without reacting to them. This sense of detachment allows us to observe our mental states without becoming overwhelmed or succumbing to negative feelings. Mindfulness gives us the ability to expereince the full range of human emotions without being in a habitual reactive state.

Another way that mindfulness can benefit mental health is by promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation. By practicing mindfulness regularly, we can reduce our baseline levels of stress and anxiety, which can help us to cope with life’s challenges more effectively and creatively.

In addition to these benefits, mindfulness can also improve our relationships with others. By cultivating a sense of presence and awareness, we can become more attuned to the needs and emotions of those around us, without needing to judge or criticize. We can make space for other people to be themselves, which leads to greater empathy and compassion.

While mindfulness is definitely not a cure-all for mental health issues, it can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms and building resilience. By incorporating mindfulness practice into our daily lives, we can gradually develop a greater sense of clarity, calmness, presence, openness and connection, which can ultimately lead towards a lessening of various mental health issues.