5 Ways to Respond to Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where someone seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or group, making them question their own memory, perception, or sanity. It's a subtle yet damaging tactic that can leave you feeling confused, invalidated, and powerless.

This tactic is frequently employed by narcissists and is prevalent in situations of narcissistic abuse. However, it's important to note that it can also occur in interactions with individuals who aren't narcissistic.

So, in this video, we're breaking down what gaslighting is and shedding light on how to respond to it. From recognizing manipulation tactics to understanding gaslighting's impact, we're here to provide practical advice on how to stop gaslighting in any situation.

#gaslighting #manipulation

Writer: Sid Thompson
Editor: Vanessa Tao
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Animator: Fleur Amodia (new animator)
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

References:

[Splat]

I honestly find it extremely hard to fight off gaslighting in conversations because the gaslighter often twists reality to their own liking, belittling you, and speaking in a way to frame you as pathetic. Sometimes, they do it so poorly its comedic, but even in such scenarios, it could be hard to put them in their place. Sometimes you can't. Unfortunately, the best you can do is just exit the conversation or relationship whatsoever.

[misspat]

When the gaslighter decides whether we have a place to live, or medical care, or food to eat, or transportation, or money for these basic needs, we CAN’T just confidently walk away, which is why bullies deliberately seek out positions such as parent, teacher, manager, landlord, breadwinner, etc.

[tegcat]

me because i’m worried IM the one gaslighting so i’m watching this to try to stop:

[JustaNobody-jx]

If someone tries to gaslight me, then at least I’ll have my very own alternate reality tour guide.

[keip]

Hard to respond when the gaslighter/narcissist doesn't let you talk.

Had a run in with one that literally said "I don't give an F" to "I don't care!!" literally yelling those two phrases over and over again.

[noobzito]

Timestamp!

-0:40 What is gaslighting?
-1:27 Set boundaries
-2:22 Remain confident in yourself
-3:25 Have proof (if available)
-4:14 Talk with others
-4:56 Know when to walk away

[deusexaethera]

As someone who really does have an excellent memory for detail (due in no small part to my own past trauma), I often get accused of gaslighting when I correct people who I know are remembering details incorrectly, and it's extremely frustrating.

It's very important to remember that gaslighting, like all forms of abuse, is distinguishable from legitimate behavior ONLY by the intent of the person doing it. The word "abuse" is literally the Latin word for "incorrect usage" -- EVERY action can be legitimate if done with good intent, or abusive if done with bad intent.

[armoniibrown]

You have to have your own back. Protect yourself because nobody else will. Do not submit, be set in your own feelings and believe that they're valid cause they are. Protect your space and your peace. They refuse to accept that they are the source of your pain and abuse and they avoid accountability and if they cant lie then they flip it go maks you feel like you deserved the abuse. Never involve them in your plans for success and do not let them control or dictate your adulthood. If they never respect your boundaries then make plans to live your life without them.

[alivesushi]

Gaslighting doesn’t work on me because im as stubborn as brick wall

[YogGroove]

Most people who gaslight the most will accuse you of gaslighting first. It's the current buzzword and narcissists.... especially vulnerable narcissists will utilize it.

[disneyfan]

5 Ways to Respond to Gaslighting
1:26 1) Set boundaries
2:22 2) Remain confident in yourself
3:25 3) Have proof if available
4:13 4) Talk with others
4:55 5) Know when to walk away

[kittykook]

I'm watching this cause my mom has been gaslighting my whole life so I had no confidence or trust in myself. After I went to boarding school and haven't been living with her I've become much more confident and started trusting myself more. I'm sure all my problems and diagnoses come from childhood trauma from her and my dad. I wouldn't have had this amount of flaws and problems if it weren't for her I'm certain

[Goodpizzaa]

I swear her voice makes it feel like she's truly talking to that inner child in me. It's incredibly comforting.

[Leafy_dragonsandgtag]

This channel is carrying my life now 😭


(edit: JEEZ 62 LIKES IN 1 HOUR?)




(edit 2: oml 76 likes in 4 hours?)




(edit 3: oh wow, I never had this much likes! Ty guys!)

[svfdess]

This is a great video, I have set boundaries but the gaslighter has walked right through every single one of them. I struggle with my confidence everyday, but I am getting better. I realize I have to leave the gaslighter.

[fctjlfm]

This channel has made me realize I am not the problem, that when I end up lashing out at the narc its because I'm at the end of my rope and not because its my actual nature. That if i stop allowing their threats to bother me, whether they follow through or not is going to drive them more nuts than me. I am a good person, with a big heart and their attempts at invalidation are useless, much like them.

[Shadow-fmdt]

I had a “friend” like this and they kept on bringing up all these issues and problems they had and that I couldn’t just ‘walk away’ all that time. I just wanted to bring up that there are the problem of why I wanna walk away because they’re gaslighting me. I barely talk to that anymore. They moved on to someone else and I’m glad.

[ct]

Gaslighting gets flat out ridiculous a lot of the time. You may not be able to respond exactly the way you would like to if they're truly toxic...but roll your eyes internally and externally hard...as much as you have to until you can get space from them. Never forgot how utterly stupid so much of it is.

[davids]

This is such an evil and wicked thing to do to people! If people have a disagreement, they should have meaningful and honest conversations! Thanks for the informative video! Take care!

[limahalima]

My older sister and mother are like that they will always always find a way to prove me wrong, I struggled a lot when i way younger I lost my confidence and always isolated my self, now when i grow up i understand much they were always focucing on their perspectives and struggles but never tried to see things from my perspective never felt my efforts or pain for them they are older so wiser and nothing i think or say can be qualified and truthfull, it took me years to recover from childhood and teenager trauma, now I am good with them but never volunable, i never share my thoughs niether my decisions with them, my solution was to be fully emotional inactive with them and never let them affect my feeling and mental health again.