Dr. Lalitaa Suglani exposes five shocking forms of gaslighting
- Gaslighting is defined as emotional abuse that manipulates individuals into doubting their reality.
- Dr Lalitaa Suglani identified five forms of gaslighting as outlined in her Instagram post.
- Raising awareness about gaslighting is essential for recognizing and combating emotional abuse.
In recent discussions about the term 'gaslighting', forensic psychologist and YouTuber Dr. Sohom Das has clarified the definition of gaslighting as an emotional abuse tactic that manipulates victims into doubting their own perceptions and memories. This phenomenon, often weaponized within interpersonal relationships, can significantly erode a person's sense of self-trust. While the term has gained significant awareness, Dr. Das emphasizes the importance of understanding it correctly, stating that it is a covert means of control. Birmingham-based expert Dr. Lalitaa Suglani has contributed to this conversation through an Instagram post, where she outlined five specific forms of gaslighting. Her insights intend to educate the public on recognizing these behaviors, which can manifest in various relationships, including romantic, familial, or even professional settings. Dr. Suglani's forms include withholding, countering, blocking and diverting, trivializing, and forgetting and denial. Each form offers a different method of emotional manipulation, making it essential for individuals to identify and address them. The American Psychological Association (APA) acknowledges gaslighting as a broader issue beyond mere personal relationships, suggesting that it can also relate to institutional behaviors that induce mental distress. It once held a more clinical connotation, linking it to severe outcomes such as mental illness or forced commitment to psychiatric care. Yet, in contemporary usage, gaslighting is seen more frequently in general discourse, highlighting the need for increased public awareness. The discourse around gaslighting is important as it helps to demystify emotional abuse, providing individuals with knowledge that can empower them to recognize and respond to manipulative tactics in their own lives. Mental health professionals are advocating for increased education on this subject to prevent the erosion of self-trust and mental well-being in potential victims. As gaslighting can occur in various contexts, from intimate partnerships to workplace dynamics, understanding its manifestations is crucial for fostering healthier relationships and environments.