The Gaslight Effect
The Gaslight Effect
In my quest for knowledge, I went to the library and checked out a few books. One is called: The Gaslight Effect: Learn how to stop letting other peole get inside your head, tell you what to think, shake your judgment, sabotage your self-esteem and make you question your grip on reality. It's by Dr. Robin Stern. It's very enlightening.
The Gaslight Effect is a term derived from a movie that has Ingrid Bergman in it (called "Gaslight") where her husband tries to make her think she's crazy so he can take over her inheritance. He moves the furniture and convinces her that she did it. He dims the lights (powered by gas) and tells her that they aren't dim. I wonder if I should watch that movie....(?)
I just finished listening to the blogtalk program for tonight and Lisa and Elena talked about this problem when dealing with a Narcissist. THANK YOU, both for your insight and experience with the results of the Gaslight Effect. Narcissists will twist and turn everything you know to be real and factual into a maelstrom of lies. Indeed, their techniques make you question your own sanity and thought process.
We are not dreaming this stuff up. It's REAL. We must stay focused and calm when dealing with their manipulations. It is EXHAUSTING, I know. However, when the safety of your children is at stake and your very life depends on it, you must remember that you are being BRAIN WASHED.
Keep remembering that you can get away from the Gaslight Effect and that once you remove yourself physically from the situation, your mind CAN heal. Your emotions and your heart are taking a beating when dealing with a Narcissist.
Yesterday, I felt better than I have in MONTHS. I have been devastated and trying to heal my life after my Narcissist shattered my dreams. I have to remember that I was in love with Pretend Boy....and NOT feel ashamed that I was. Even highly educated, smart and intelligent women can be conned. I was.
BUT: I guess my userID says it all: NeverAgain!
Gaslighting
neveragain
The movie is a classic. The
Neveragain