Dear Psychosis, Gaslighting
/ˈɡasˌlīt/
verb
gerund or present participle: to manipulate (someone) using psychological methods into questioning their own sanity or powers of reasoning.
Have you ever heard any of these phases:
"I did that because I was trying to help you."
"That's not what happened."
"You're crazy."
"This is why you don't have friends."
"This is your own fault."
"That is hardly important."
"That's not what I meant."
If you have, then you know what it's like to be gaslighted. I already struggle daily with questioning my reality vs. nonreality. I really don't need any more help with that. It's harmful to the psyche to be around people who give you this kind of verbal abuse. It makes you feel like you will never be good enough. I have a friend who finally got out of a long marriage. He would say things to her like "Your family won't want you back," "you have nothing and nowhere to go," "I did that because you made me angry." She felt stuck and alone like she couldn't get out. The truth is she could have left at any time. She had resource and a family that loves her very much. They would do absolutely anything for her. She had friends that would take her in and make sure she was taken care of. He twisted her thinking so badly that she didn't feel like she had any other options.
There are always options.
Never let anyone tell you that you're less than what you are! You are loved and wanted! The thoughts you think and the things you feel are valid. It's ok to talk about your feelings. If you ever feel like you don't have anyone to talk to there are therapist out there who would love to lend an ear and help work through some things with you. Therapists can be a tool not only when you are in crisis, but when you are doing great and everything is fine. There are hotlines such as The Suicide Hotline or places to call and report abuse in your community, so you don't have to do anything alone.
You never have to be alone.
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