“You’re Being Paranoid…You're Overreacting…That Never Happened…Everyone Thinks So.”
“You’re Being Paranoid…You're Overreacting…That Never Happened…Everyone Thinks So.”
These are phrases an abuser will use to try and gaslight someone to sow the seeds of doubt in their mind on what they are truly experiencing. Gaslighting is defined as psychological abuse aimed at making someone seem or feel crazy and creating an irrational inner reality*. The term gaslighting derives from the 1930s film “Gas Light” and is used to describe the behavior of an abuser. But, did you know that there is a term for this behavior in the medical field?
Gaslighting
Psychological Manipulation
Cognitive Dissonance
The Martha Mitchell Effect was introduced and coined by the US psychologist Brendan Maherin in 1988 and is defined as: A misinterpretation of a person’s justified belief as a delusion, often by a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or general practitioner.* This is when a person goes to a certified specialist for help and their personal experience is consciously misinterpreted and dismissed, leaving them feeling crazy, isolated, and confused.
If you have experienced gaslighting in any way throughout your life, regardless if this behavior is stemming from a close relationship or a trusted professional, know that you’re not alone. The first step in gaining clarity on if you are experiencing this in your life is to reflect on how you feel. Your feelings and experiences are valid. It’s through feeling your feelings that you can access the pathway to healing, find your peace and change your life.
Signs of Gaslighting
If you are experiencing this in your life there are many different ways to respond to create a healthy and peaceful environment for yourself.
Get Clear (Collect the facts and honor your experiences)
Take Space (Set Boundaries)**
Speak Up (Talk about the behavior and communicate your needs)
Focus on Self-Care (Focus on loving yourself and what you enjoy)
Seek Support (Invest in trusted professionals to support you in building your self-esteem and confidence)
Changing your life starts with a choice. If you are ready to make a change and need support along the way, the MAP Health and Wellness program is a perfect place to start. We have immediate availability and are standing by to support you through these challenging life experiences.
*Sweet, P. L. (2019). The Sociology of Gaslighting. American Sociological Review, 84(5), 851–875. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003122419874843
**Colman, Andrew M. (2015). A Dictionary of Psychology. Oxford University Press. p. 441. ISBN 978-0-19-965768-1.
*Sweet, P. L. (2019). The Sociology of Gaslighting. American Sociological Review, 84(5), 851–875. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003122419874843
**Colman, Andrew M. (2015). A Dictionary of Psychology. Oxford University Press. p. 441. ISBN 978-0-19-965768-1.
