If You Need a Reminder, This Comic Shows What Gaslighting Sounds Like
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse where the perpetrator continuously manipulates someone into questioning their sanity, reality and themselves.
There are so many ways to gaslight — but here are some examples of what gaslighting can sound like:
— “You’re so emotional.”
— “Why so defensive all the time?”
— “I wouldn’t have done that to you.”
— “You’re always twisting things.”
— “You’re imagining things.”
— “That’s a false accusation.”
— “Don’t get upset over nothing.”
— “I didn’t mean it like that, obviously.”
— “Don’t be so sensitive.”
— “You’re so dramatic.”
— “You sound so crazy.”
— “You’re remembering things wrong.”
— “I was just joking.”
— “It’s your fault.”
— “It’s not a big deal.”
— “I didn’t say that.”
— “Stop feeling sorry for yourself.”
— “Why are you even here if you think I’m so terrible then?”
— “I never did that, you’re the one who’s lying.”
It’s scary that some abusers see those of us living with mental illnesses as an easy target. That’s why it’s so important to learn about emotional manipulation tactics, to defend yourself from others abusing you. It’s difficult to deal with people who frequently gaslight because you are doubting yourself and the truth. But I do have some tips for how to deal with this, the main one being: consider whether or not this person should be in your life.
If someone is constantly gaslighting you, that probably means they don’t really care about you, or at least not in a way that’s healthy. If you are able to cut contact, I would really consider that. Building self-confidence is also important, because if you are confident in your self-worth, you have more power to stand up for yourself.
Having a support system is always important to your quality of life, but it’s especially important when faced with emotional abuse. Recognize the signs of gaslighting so when it happens you are aware and can distance yourself. And please remember that gaslighting isn’t about you, it’s about the gaslighter and their superiority complex, need for power and insecurity. It’s not your fault, and you are not weak or “stupid” for “falling for it.”
If you have been hurt by gaslighting, I would absolutely encourage you to seek professional help to untangle the trauma of being a victim of gaslighting. Because it is very traumatic, in such a deep psychological way, especially if you already struggle with self-doubt regarding your mental health, sanity, world view and view of yourself. And if you’re someone who finds themselves gaslighting, please seek help, because it’s not OK to put others though this, and it’s possible to stop.
Have you experienced gaslighting? How did you get through it?
See more of Matilda’s work on crazyheadcomics.
Image via crazyheadcomics
Matilda is a Swedish artist, painter, and mental-health advocate who, despite it all, refuses to believe the world is anything else but beautiful. Her work has been displayed in nationally accredited museums such as Liljevalchs, and her instagram art project “Crazyheadcomics”, reaches a wide audience of therapists, influencers, and “fellow comrades in neurodivergence”. Through her art, she hopes to raise awareness about the truth of the psyche — good, bad, and ugly — and give catharsis to those who already painfully aware of these truths.
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