Messing with your mind

Here's how to spot the sure-fire signs you're being gaslit, whether it's in a romantic relationship, a friendship, at work or in your doctor's surgery.

- ASHLEIGH AUSTEN

Gaslighting is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days, but do you really understand what it means? More importantly, would you be able to tell if someone was gaslighting you?

At its core, gaslighting is a tactic used to make someone question their own thoughts, feelings, memories, or perceptions, leaving the victim feeling confused, isolated and unsure of themselves.

"Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that involves a person unconsciously using tactics to control another person," explains psychologist and author Dr Marny Lishman.

"It's a form of emotional abuse, and a person on the receiving end can feel dismissed, invalidated, confused, self-doubting and questioning their own perception of reality."

Gaslighting often happens gradually, making it hard to notice at first. It can take many forms, from outright denial ("That never happened") to subtle undermining ("You're being too sensitive" or "You're imagining things"). The goal is to erode your confidence and make you second-guess yourself, often giving the gaslighter more control in the process.