Here are 6 ways to build resilience after your gaslighting experience

Experiencing gaslighting from a loved one or stranger is usually a traumatic experience. If this happens often enough, your self-confidence, memory, mental health and emotional well-being can quickly erode.

defines gaslighting as an insidious type of manipulation and psychological control that causes victims to query their reality as they are systematically fed false information that leads them to query what they know to be accurate, often about themselves. They may find yourself doubting their memory, perception, and even sanity. The gaslighter’s manipulations may develop into more intense, making it difficult for the victim to see the reality. Gaslighting is a kind of psychological violence during which the perpetrator tries to make the victim doubt; the perpetrator does this by distorting reality, lying, denying and forcing the victim to query his or her judgment and intuition. However, after experiencing gaslighting persistently, you’ll be able to build up the resilience and tools to fight it. Dominique Mortier, a therapist at Bloom Psychology & Wellness, states, “Gaslighting is a form of invalidation that denies, rejects, or rejects another person’s reality.”

He continues: “This leads to the person questioning their perspective, emotions, or interpretations of their experiences. Over time, gaslighting can make people distrust themselves and question their decisions. It can also increase negative self-talk and feelings of shame.”

According to Mortier, when trying to build immunity after repeated gaslighting, there are just a few things to consider:

• By reminding yourself that your emotions are valid and that they are often trying to offer you more details about their experiences so which you could respond appropriately while honoring those feelings.

• Setting boundaries for yourself and others helps you’re feeling protected in your relationships.

• Recognizing whenever you are experiencing emotional discomfort and implementing self-compassion. Self-compassion may be easily considered by remembering how you’ll react to a suffering friend and the way you’ll react in the same way towards yourself. This also signifies that you wish to concentrate to judgments and criticisms of yourself.
• Check the facts. Consider whether your answers are valid or not. For example, if I feel frustrated, it’s correct to say that continuing the conversation is difficult. However, shouting or dismissing the opposite person won’t be effective.

• Remember that you just cannot control other people’s reactions, emotions and thoughts. However, you’ll be able to control the way you react and behave towards others.

• Seek support from others who will confirm your experience. This person could also be curious, non-judgmental, and caring.