Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon Tactics Used in GaslightingTake the Gaslighting QuizEveryday Examples of Gaslighting in Different Settings—And How to RespondHow to Cope With the Effects of Being Gaslighted

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Common Tactics Used in Gaslighting

Take the Gaslighting Quiz

Everyday Examples of Gaslighting in Different Settings—And How to Respond

How to Cope With the Effects of Being Gaslighted

Gaslightingis a form ofemotional abusebecause it can cause someone to doubt their own sanity, saysKristin Wilson, MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT, chief experience officer at Newport Healthcare.

If you or a loved one are experiencing gaslighting,recognizing the signsis the first step toward putting a stop to it and reclaiming your reality.

At a GlanceGaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation and abuse because it causes the person on the receiving end to question their reality. Gaslighting can come in the form of lies, denial, and other insidious means.Gaslighting also isn’t only reserved for intimate relationships: it can occur in the workplace, with family members, and in healthcare.

At a Glance

Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation and abuse because it causes the person on the receiving end to question their reality. Gaslighting can come in the form of lies, denial, and other insidious means.Gaslighting also isn’t only reserved for intimate relationships: it can occur in the workplace, with family members, and in healthcare.

Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation and abuse because it causes the person on the receiving end to question their reality. Gaslighting can come in the form of lies, denial, and other insidious means.

Gaslighting also isn’t only reserved for intimate relationships: it can occur in the workplace, with family members, and in healthcare.

According to Wilson, some common gaslighting tactics include:

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Thisfree quizcan help you determine whether gaslighting is happening in your relationship or friendship.

Gaslighting can often be subtle and difficult to spot.These are some examples of gaslighting in different settings and what you can say or do in response.

Did you know?

Gaslighting in Personal Relationships

These are some examples of gaslighting in personal relationships with friends and family members:

How to RespondIf you suspect that a friend or family member is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:Stay calm: Although it can be difficult at the moment, try to remain calm and composed. Gaslighters often try to provoke emotional reactions to further their manipulation. Keeping your emotions in check will make it easier to respond rationally.Avoid engaging in arguments:Gaslighters often thrive on creating arguments and confusion. Try not to get dragged into endless debates. Instead, focus on asserting your feelings calmly.Set boundaries:Establish clearboundarieswith the gaslighter and limit interactions as much as possible, says Wilson.

How to Respond

If you suspect that a friend or family member is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:Stay calm: Although it can be difficult at the moment, try to remain calm and composed. Gaslighters often try to provoke emotional reactions to further their manipulation. Keeping your emotions in check will make it easier to respond rationally.Avoid engaging in arguments:Gaslighters often thrive on creating arguments and confusion. Try not to get dragged into endless debates. Instead, focus on asserting your feelings calmly.Set boundaries:Establish clearboundarieswith the gaslighter and limit interactions as much as possible, says Wilson.

If you suspect that a friend or family member is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:

Gaslighting in Professional Settings

These are some examples of gaslighting in professional settings with colleagues, managers, and subordinates:

If you suspect that someone at work is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:

Gaslighting in Romantic Relationships

These are some examples of gaslighting in romantic relationships:

How to RespondIf you suspect that your partner is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:Maintain self-awareness:Gaslighting can cause self-doubt, so try to stay aware of your emotions and remember your worth. Be mindful of any changes in your thoughts or feelings.Use “I” statements:When confronting your partner about their behavior, use “I” statements to express your feelings and experiences without sounding accusatory. For example, you can say, “I feel hurt when you dismiss my feelings” instead of “You always make me doubt myself.“Evaluate the relationship:Take a step back and objectively assess the relationship. Consider whether the gaslighting behavior is a pattern or if it’s stemming from a specific issue that can be resolved through open communication. If the gaslighting continues despite your efforts, consider whether the relationship is healthy for you in the long run.Seek safety if needed:If you feel unsafe or if the gaslighting is escalating into emotional or physical abuse, prioritize your safety and consider reaching out to a support network or a domestic violence helpline for assistance.

If you suspect that your partner is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:Maintain self-awareness:Gaslighting can cause self-doubt, so try to stay aware of your emotions and remember your worth. Be mindful of any changes in your thoughts or feelings.Use “I” statements:When confronting your partner about their behavior, use “I” statements to express your feelings and experiences without sounding accusatory. For example, you can say, “I feel hurt when you dismiss my feelings” instead of “You always make me doubt myself.“Evaluate the relationship:Take a step back and objectively assess the relationship. Consider whether the gaslighting behavior is a pattern or if it’s stemming from a specific issue that can be resolved through open communication. If the gaslighting continues despite your efforts, consider whether the relationship is healthy for you in the long run.Seek safety if needed:If you feel unsafe or if the gaslighting is escalating into emotional or physical abuse, prioritize your safety and consider reaching out to a support network or a domestic violence helpline for assistance.

If you suspect that your partner is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, contact theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat1-800-799-7233for confidential assistance from trained advocates.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, contact theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat1-800-799-7233for confidential assistance from trained advocates.

Gaslighting in Medical Settings

These are some examples of gaslighting in medical settings with healthcare providers:

Research shows that minority groups such as BIPOC peopleand LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to facemedical gaslighting.

How to RespondIf you suspect that your healthcare provider is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:Ask for clarification:If you feel that the healthcare provider’s explanations are unclear or contradictory, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. A qualified professional should be willing to address your questions and concerns openly.Involve a trusted friend or family member:If possible, involve a trusted friend or family member in your healthcare appointments. Having another person present can provide emotional support and serve as a witness to the interactions.Seek a second opinion:If you’re unsure about the diagnosis or treatment you received, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from another medical professional. Getting a fresh perspective can help validate your concerns or provide alternative options.Seek support:Reach out to patient advocacy groups or medical ombudsman services for guidance and support in dealing with the situation.

If you suspect that your healthcare provider is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:Ask for clarification:If you feel that the healthcare provider’s explanations are unclear or contradictory, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. A qualified professional should be willing to address your questions and concerns openly.Involve a trusted friend or family member:If possible, involve a trusted friend or family member in your healthcare appointments. Having another person present can provide emotional support and serve as a witness to the interactions.Seek a second opinion:If you’re unsure about the diagnosis or treatment you received, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from another medical professional. Getting a fresh perspective can help validate your concerns or provide alternative options.Seek support:Reach out to patient advocacy groups or medical ombudsman services for guidance and support in dealing with the situation.

If you suspect that your healthcare provider is trying to gaslight you, these are some strategies that can help:

Coping with gaslightingcan be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help, according to Wilson:

7 Signs You’re Being Emotionally Manipulated in Your Relationship

6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Gaslight.Christensen M, Evans-Murray A.Gaslighting in nursing academia: A new or established covert form of bullying?Nurs Forum. 2021;56(3):640-647. doi:10.1111/nuf.12588Fraser S.The toxic power dynamics of gaslighting in medicine.Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(5):367-368. doi:10.46747/cfp.6705367Kukreja P, Pandey J.Workplace gaslighting: Conceptualization, development, and validation of a scale.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1099485. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1099485Watson-Creed G.Gaslighting in academic medicine: where anti-Black racism lives.CMAJ. 2022;194(42):E1451-E1454. doi:10.1503/cmaj.212145Sebring JCH.Towards a sociological understanding of medical gaslighting in Western healthcare.Sociol Health Illn. 2021;43(9):1951-1964. doi:10.1111/1467-9566.13367

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Gaslight.Christensen M, Evans-Murray A.Gaslighting in nursing academia: A new or established covert form of bullying?Nurs Forum. 2021;56(3):640-647. doi:10.1111/nuf.12588Fraser S.The toxic power dynamics of gaslighting in medicine.Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(5):367-368. doi:10.46747/cfp.6705367Kukreja P, Pandey J.Workplace gaslighting: Conceptualization, development, and validation of a scale.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1099485. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1099485Watson-Creed G.Gaslighting in academic medicine: where anti-Black racism lives.CMAJ. 2022;194(42):E1451-E1454. doi:10.1503/cmaj.212145Sebring JCH.Towards a sociological understanding of medical gaslighting in Western healthcare.Sociol Health Illn. 2021;43(9):1951-1964. doi:10.1111/1467-9566.13367

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychological Association.Gaslight.Christensen M, Evans-Murray A.Gaslighting in nursing academia: A new or established covert form of bullying?Nurs Forum. 2021;56(3):640-647. doi:10.1111/nuf.12588Fraser S.The toxic power dynamics of gaslighting in medicine.Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(5):367-368. doi:10.46747/cfp.6705367Kukreja P, Pandey J.Workplace gaslighting: Conceptualization, development, and validation of a scale.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1099485. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1099485Watson-Creed G.Gaslighting in academic medicine: where anti-Black racism lives.CMAJ. 2022;194(42):E1451-E1454. doi:10.1503/cmaj.212145Sebring JCH.Towards a sociological understanding of medical gaslighting in Western healthcare.Sociol Health Illn. 2021;43(9):1951-1964. doi:10.1111/1467-9566.13367

American Psychological Association.Gaslight.

Christensen M, Evans-Murray A.Gaslighting in nursing academia: A new or established covert form of bullying?Nurs Forum. 2021;56(3):640-647. doi:10.1111/nuf.12588

Fraser S.The toxic power dynamics of gaslighting in medicine.Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(5):367-368. doi:10.46747/cfp.6705367

Kukreja P, Pandey J.Workplace gaslighting: Conceptualization, development, and validation of a scale.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1099485. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1099485

Watson-Creed G.Gaslighting in academic medicine: where anti-Black racism lives.CMAJ. 2022;194(42):E1451-E1454. doi:10.1503/cmaj.212145

Sebring JCH.Towards a sociological understanding of medical gaslighting in Western healthcare.Sociol Health Illn. 2021;43(9):1951-1964. doi:10.1111/1467-9566.13367

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