Mental Health

Is Someone Gaslighting You? Learn the Signs of Manipulation

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Published on: 20 Feb 2025

Gaslighting is an undercover, psychological abuse that causes a person to question reality. It is done by evil-minded people to conquer others, disorient them, and destroy the individual's self-identity. Manipulative tendencies destroy psychological and emotional well-being by bringing self-doubting states, anxiety attacks, and depressive states. More than 74% of women in the world who are victims of domestic violence experience gaslighting. Similarly, an average rate of nearly 14% of working professionals in India across all verticals face gaslighting each year. 

The first step to reclaiming control and protecting oneself against emotional harm is to recognize and acknowledge gaslighting manipulation. Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre offers professional care and guidance to people struggling with the psychological impact of gaslighting. The more people are aware of manipulation through gaslighting, the more they will be able to take necessary action, seek help and start healing.

What Is Gaslighting Manipulation?

Gaslighting manipulation is a form of psychological abuse that manipulates someone into doubting their perception of reality. Often, it starts subtly with slight distortions in facts, events, or emotions. Gradually, this tactic increases to the extent that the victim begins to doubt his memories and sanity. It can occur in any relationship, for example:

• Romantic relationships: A partner constantly invalidates feelings or experiences.
• Professional relationships: Gaslighting may be experienced when a superior manipulates a subordinate's perception of workplace events or decisions.
• Family dynamics: Parents or siblings would get to manipulate each other whereas in certain cases abuse results.

Recognizing gaslighting manipulation is very important since it can cause serious psychological damage.

What Are the Signs of Gaslighting?

Gaslighting manipulation is not a commonly discussed subject. More than 75% of people are unaware of this psychological abuse. Moreover, it can be rather hard to discover gaslighting behaviours in real time because they often unravel little by little. Therefore, if someone insists that the individual is facing this abuse, the immediate answer one gets is, “How do you tell if someone is gaslighting you?” However, there are obvious signs to help you discern gaslighting behaviours:

• Denial of facts or events: A gaslighter could deny things they said or did even after you present facts.
• Blame the victim: The gaslighter makes a person feel as though he's the guilty victim.
• Contradicting and confusing: They can deny what you said or done, and create confusion and self-doubt.
• Always dismiss your emotions: Such people make light of your feelings as well as experiences and mock them, leaving you feeling invalid.
• Question the reality: They question your memory or perception always which creates emotional insecurity in your life.

Being aware of all these signs can help you understand the art of gaslighting manipulation and take preventive measures, not to let your mental health be damaged.

Why Do Some People Gaslight Others?

Manipulation gaslighting is based more on deep psychological problems such as narcissism, insecurity, or the need for control. Some of the common reasons why there is manipulation gaslighting include:

• Power dynamics: The abuser desires to take control and command over the victim's mind, emotions, or actions.
• Narcissistic traits: An individual with narcissistic characteristics might use gaslighting to maintain an inflated sense of self and superiority.
• Security or fear: Gaslighter needs to feel a sense of safety within his setting using manipulation.

Understanding the causes of gaslighting behaviour is crucial in recognizing it and breaking free from it.

What to Do If Someone Is Gaslighting You?

If you realise you are a victim of gaslighting, there is much you can do to save yourself:

• Identify the symptoms: Know you are being manipulated and being gaslighted.
• Believe your reality: Believe what has happened and accept your feelings.
• Create boundaries: Define clear boundaries so as not to let him manipulate you any further.
• Find support: Seek trusted friends or family members to talk to or consult a therapist about your experiences.
• Think about professional therapy: Therapy can help rebuild your confidence and understand the trauma caused by gaslighting.

Remember, what to do if someone is gaslighting you is to seek help and take control of your emotional well-being.

How Gaslighting Works in Relationships

Gaslighting is not only limited to romantic love, but family and professional relationships are also quite vulnerable. The effects in all three are similar.

Emotional confusion: Gaslighting causes people to be unclear about what reality is, thereby losing trust in themselves.

• Self-doubting: Victims are forever questioning their very emotions, thoughts, and even judgments.
• Erosion of trust: Trust in the abuser is weakened, and even self-trust is compromised.

By understanding “where can gaslighting occur”, you will be able to identify toxic relationships and initiate efforts to regain control.

How to Recognise Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People and Break Free

Being able to understand gaslighting, recognise manipulative and emotionally abusive people and break free can protect your mental and emotional well-being. Some important steps include:

• Identify patterns: Manipulative behaviours tend to be repeated.
• Trust your gut: If something feels wrong, it probably is.
• Set healthy boundaries: You must set personal boundaries that help prevent manipulation.
• Seek professional help: Therapists and support groups can help heal from emotional abuse.

Recognizing gaslighting manipulation is important to break out of emotionally abusive relationships.

Why Choose Jagruti Rehab to Deal with Gaslighting Manipulation?

At Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, we understand the psychology attached to gaslighting manipulation. Our team will help you overcome emotional abuse with care and bring back your life under control. Here's why Jagruti is the right place to bring back your recovery:

• Individualized Treatment Plans

We strive to come up with a treatment plan that caters for the specific emotional and psychological needs of any gaslighted victim.

• Qualified Therapists for Support

Our professionals have specialist knowledge in managing all the complexities of emotional abuse, ensuring appropriate guidance in treatment.

• Comprehensive Rehabilitation Process

Here, we synthesize proven therapeutic techniques along with real-world coping strategies, which ensure sustainability for long-term recovery, emotional healing, and resilience in the long term.

• Supportive, Safe Environment

Jagruti is a safe space wherein you feel heard and understood as you start healing from manipulative behaviour and emotional abuse. 

• Focus on Emotional Resilience

We focus on building your self-worth and emotional strength to break free from toxic relationships and build up your confidence. 

• Ongoing Aftercare Services

Our all-encompassing aftercare program makes sure you will continue to progress in your recovery journey and maintain a healthy emotional state long after your treatment.

Choose Jagruti Rehab and enjoy the expertise offered to help overcome the gaslighting manipulation that facilitates emotional healing to enable you to become a master controller of your own life.

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.