Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that can leave you feeling confused, hurt, and powerless. It involves manipulating someone into doubting their own perceptions and reality, often leaving them feeling like they’re going crazy.
If you’re being gaslighted, it can be hard to know where to turn or how to cope. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to empower yourself and recover from emotional abuse. Here are 13 methods to help you cope so you can move on.
13 Tips to Help You Recover From Emotional Abuse
It’s important to remember that while this article discusses how to recover from emotional abuse from gaslighting, it also covers all forms of emotional abuse, no matter where it came from.
The damage that was done to us is not our fault, but the healing is our responsibility. Never forget that.
Educate Yourself
The first step in dealing with gaslighting is understanding what it is and how it works. Research this type of abuse and learn as much as you can about it. This knowledge will help you recognize when it’s happening and why it’s happening and give you the strength to stand up for yourself.
Trust Yourself
Gaslighting can make you feel like you’re losing your grip on reality. But it’s important to remember that you know yourself better than anyone else. Trust your gut instincts; don’t let anyone else tell you what you should or shouldn’t feel. Remember why they’re doing it.
Avoid Arguments
Gaslighters thrive on arguments and conflict, so avoiding getting into heated debates is crucial. Instead, calmly state your thoughts and feelings, and don’t engage when they try to provoke you. If they get overly anger, learn to walk away. Hard for them to argue and yell at you if you aren’t there anymore.
Journal Your Emotions
Writing down your thoughts and experiences can help you document what’s happening and validate your experiences. This can be helpful if you need to seek outside support or talk to a therapist. Not only that, but journaling is a great way to release any pent-up hurt and anger that you’ve been holding on to.
Seek Support
Gaslighting can be incredibly isolating, so it’s important to seek out support from friends, family, or a therapist. Talking to someone else about what you’re going through can help you process your emotions and feel less alone.
People may give you some encouraging words or great advice as well that will help you get through this. It might do you some good to find a support group as well.
Set Boundaries
Gaslighters often push boundaries and refuse to respect your needs and feelings. It’s important to set firm boundaries and stick to them, even if it means distancing yourself from the person who’s gaslighting you.
Practice Self-care
Taking care of yourself is crucial when dealing with emotional abuse. Make sure to prioritize your mental and physical health and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Take some time each day to honor and love yourself. You can write a love letter, buy some flowers or have a bubble bath. Choose to do something that nurtures your soul.
Don’t Blame Yourself
Gaslighters often try to make you feel like everything is your fault. But remember that their actions are not a reflection of your worth or value as a person. Don’t blame yourself for something that’s out of your control. You must stop and consider their behaviour and the motivation that drives them to be the way they are. You are not to blame for any of that.
Consider Professional Help
If you’re struggling to cope with gaslighting, consider seeking out professional help from a therapist. They can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies to deal with this type of abuse.
NLP or Neuro Linguistic Programming can also help in dealing with trauma from the past that keeps you frozen in toxic behavior.
Take Physical Action
Sometimes, taking physical action can be a helpful way to cope with gaslighting. This can include things like finding a new job or moving to a new town so you can distance yourself from the person who’s gaslighting you.
This also shows them that you mean business and that you aren’t going to put up with their behavior anymore. Sometimes, we must take drastic steps to free ourselves.
Educate Others
Gaslighting is a pervasive problem that affects many people. By speaking out and educating others, you can help raise awareness about this issue and empower others to seek help if they’re also being manipulated.
You can join a support group and speak once a week or start a group to raise awareness.
Take Time to Heal
Recovering from gaslighting can be a long and painful process. Remember to be patient with yourself, take things one step at a time, and give yourself the time and space you need to heal. You may find yourself happy and healing one day and crying the next. It’s part of the healing journey.
You’re going to get through this, and you’ll be stronger than ever.
Final thoughts on how to recover from emotional abuse
Gaslighting can be a painful and confusing experience, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to take control of your situation. By educating yourself, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care, you can empower yourself and find a way to recover from emotional abuse.
Remember that you’re not alone and that people and resources are available to help you through this difficult time.
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