What is Gaslight?

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that involves manipulating someone into doubting their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. The term gaslighting comes from the 1944 movie Gaslight, in which a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is going insane by making subtle changes in their environment and then denying that the changes have occurred.

Gaslighting can take many forms, but generally involves a person questioning or denying the validity of another person's experiences or emotions. This can lead the victim to question his own judgment and reality, and can cause him to feel confused, anxious, and powerless.

Some examples of gaslighting behaviour include:

1. Denying that something happened, even when there is clear evidence that it did.
2. Telling someone he is overreacting or being too sensitive.
3. Blaming someone for things that are not his fault.
4. Minimising someone's emotions or experiences.
5. Making someone doubt his own memory or perceptions.
6. Turning people against someone else by spreading lies or rumours.

Gaslighting is often used as a tactic of control in relationships, particularly in abusive relationships. The abuser may use gaslighting to make the victim doubt himself and become more dependent on the abuser for validation and support.

If you think you may be experiencing gaslighting or emotional abuse, it is important to seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to have your experiences and feelings acknowledged and validated.