Written by: Lehlieh Zion
So what exactly is gaslighting, you ask? To “gaslight” or to be “gaslighted” means to be mentally abused by another person. Medical News Today defines Gaslighting as a form of psychological abuse where a person or group makes someone question their sanity, perception of reality, or memories. It further explains
“People experiencing gaslighting often feel confused, anxious, and unable to trust themselves.”
In more recent news, a well-known talk show host named ‘Wendy Williams’ of The Wendy Williams Show expressed being gaslighted by her ex-husband for over a decade! Both her Movie and documentary aired on January 30, 2021. Wendy explained the events of her devastating relationship in this amazing lifetime documentary and movie ‘Wendy Williams: What a Mess!’ and Wendy Williams: The Movie. The biopic was executive produced by Wendy Williams, narrated by herself, and played by Ciera Payton in the Movie. This Movie and documentary captivate a strong example of a woman being recklessly gaslighted throughout her marriage.
Although gaslighting is more prevalent in romantic relationships, this psychological abuse can be present in popular culture, the workplace, politics, and parent-child relationships.
So how do you know if another individual is gaslighting you? Well, according to The National Domestic Violence Hotline it indicates that a person experiencing gaslighting may feel all of the below:
- feel confused and constantly second-guess themselves
- find it difficult to make simple decisions
- frequently question if they are too sensitive
- become withdrawn or unsociable
- constantly apologize to the abusive person
- defend the mean person’s behavior
- lie to family and friends to avoid having to make excuses for them
- feel hopeless, joyless, worthless, or incompetent
These are characteristics, which I witnessed in both Wendy Willams’s documentary and Movie and are easily overlooked every day in the lives of both women and men.
Escaping psychological abuse can be difficult, especially if you do not know that you are experiencing mental abuse. But, Thankfully, I’ve got you covered! If you are experiencing any of the above characteristics in any form of relationship listed above, please attempt to take these steps to end your toxic relationship by reading Vox’s article on Spotting and Ending gaslighting in your life today.
