Gaslighting is a type of psychological manipulation technique used by narcissists to make you question your own judgment, ideas, thoughts, and even how you perceive the world around you.
Unfortunately, it’s not only other people who gaslight you. You can gaslight yourself. If you have been in a toxic relationship with a narcissist, the possibility of gaslighting yourself is actually pretty high. While this is true, there are steps you can take to identify self-gaslighting and overcome this situation.
Self-Gaslighting Explained
Self-gaslighting, which is often called internalized gaslighting, is what you do when you suppress your emotions and thoughts. It occurs if you actively tell yourself that your own perceptions, feelings, ideas, and thoughts are invalid or inaccurate.
It’s a type of internalized version of the psychological and verbal abuse the narcissist exposed you to through the years.
Signs You Are Self-Gaslighting
Some of the signs that you are self-gaslighting include:
You Don’t Trust Yourself
If you face a situation where you have to change your life or make a decision, you may worry you will make the wrong decision. For some, this is debilitating, especially if you don’t have someone you can talk to your choices with. You may even want someone to tell you what to do, fearing that you will ruin everything if you make the decision on your own.
You Don’t Know Yourself
Are you unsure how to talk about yourself? If someone asks you something, do you change the subject quickly? You may even feel numb and lost, like you no longer know who you are.
If someone directly asks you what you like or want, you can’t answer. After you spend years focusing on a narcissist’s whims, wants, and needs, you may lose the ability to talk about who you are.
You Blame Yourself
You may not even like yourself at this point, and your self-confidence may be non-existent. No matter who is at fault, if something goes wrong, you may assume you are the only one who is responsible. Even if there is clear evidence someone else is to blame, you will likely find a way to make the situation your fault.
You Apologize Constantly
Do you constantly say, “I’m sorry?” Do you do this so much that other people tell you to stop apologizing so much? If so, it’s another sign of self-gaslighting.
You Feel Like a Fraud
Are you constantly worried that someone will discover that you are not “enough” or that you are not even a complete person? Do you suffer from imposter syndrome, and everything you do makes you feel like you are pretending? If so, it’s another sign that you are self-gaslighting.
Overcoming Self-Gaslighting
Recognizing that you are self-gaslighting is the first step in overcoming it. The THRIVE program can help you get to a place of self-empowerment, self-love, and finally feel comfortable in your own skin.
So if you want to gain the freedom that comes from healing and balancing your Mind, Body, Spirit and Soul,
…and rediscover the joy and simplicity of the way your life was naturally meant to be.
…and if these words are speaking to you, then feel free to consider joining the THRIVE program here:
