Hey hey! I hope you all are having a lovely start to the new month!!! I wish I could say the same but with a dissertation hanging over my neck, I guess my ‘lovely start’ will happen once I finally rid myself from the shackles of education!
In this reflective piece, I delve into the detrimental effects of self-gaslighting and offer healthy and raw solutions to overcome this harmful behaviour. I will admit, I have a special degree in gaslighting myself so as I write this post, I also write to myself.
Often, we find ourselves dismissing our own emotions, attributing them solely to hormones or fearing labels such as being dramatic, emotional or an overthinker. This self-gaslighting undermines our experiences, suppressing our authentic feelings and preventing us from addressing the underlying causes.
In the blog post, I shed light on the truth behind our emotions and the importance of validating them. I discuss the significance of self-awareness, seeking support, challenging self-limiting beliefs, and practicing self-compassion as tools to break free from the cycle of self-gaslighting.
If you’re interested in exploring this topic further and discovering ways to honour your emotions and experiences, I invite you to read this post. I hope it resonates with you and provides valuable insights into overcoming self-gaslighting tendencies. I am on this journey to overcoming this issue too, which takes time!!
Wishing you a journey of self-discovery and empowerment!
*****
Funfact: The term ‘gas light’ came form a play in the 1930s. Gaslighting is a term that originated from a play and subsequent film titled “Gaslight,” in which a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her own sanity. While often associated with manipulative behaviours from others, we seldom acknowledge that we can be guilty of gaslighting ourselves. This self-gaslighting becomes particularly prevalent when attributing our emotions and experiences to hormones, dismissing them as unworthy of attention or validation. In this reflective blog post, I will explore the detrimental effects of self-gaslighting and provide healthy and raw solutions to overcome it.
The Danger of Self-Gaslighting:
Self-gaslighting occurs when we undermine and invalidate our own feelings and experiences, attributing them solely to hormones or biological factors. We convince ourselves that our emotions are irrational, exaggerated, or unimportant, fearing judgment, the label of being dramatic, emotional or an overthinker. By engaging in this self-gaslighting behaviour, we deny our own truth, suppressing our authentic emotions and denying ourselves the opportunity for growth and healing.
The Truth Behind Emotions:
Emotions are not arbitrary or irrational occurrences. They serve as vital messengers, guiding us through the challenges of life. They highlight areas where we need attention, understanding, or change. By dismissing our emotions and attributing them solely to hormones or anything as such, we not only undermine our own experiences but also perpetuate the cycle of invalidation, preventing ourselves from addressing the root causes of our emotions.
It is crucial to recognise that our feelings are valid and deserve acknowledgement. They are a product of our unique experiences, perceptions, and the complex interplay of our thoughts, emotions, and biological processes. Dismissing them as mere hormonal or emotional fluctuations diminishes our ability to understand ourselves, build healthy relationships, and navigate life’s challenges effectively.
Breaking Free from Self-Gaslighting:
- Cultivate self-awareness: Pay attention to your emotions and the patterns that arise. Instead of immediately attributing them to hormones or anything else, take a step back and ask yourself what they might be trying to tell you. Journalling can be a helpful tool to explore and process your emotions more deeply. Therapy is also another option too, of course, if you feel comfortable and want to go down that route.
- Validate your experiences: Remind yourself that your emotions are valid, regardless of their source. Give yourself permission to feel without judgment or self-criticism. Embrace the full range of your emotions and allow yourself to experience them fully.
- Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, mentors, therapists or anyone who can provide a safe space for you to express your emotions. Sharing your experiences with others who validate and understand your feelings can help counteract the self-gaslighting tendencies.
- Challenge self-limiting beliefs: Question the underlying beliefs that drive self-gaslighting. Challenge the idea that your emotions are inconsequential or overly dramatic. Replace these limiting beliefs with empowering ones that honour your emotional well-being and growth.
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and show self-compassion when faced with intense emotions. Remember that everyone experiences a wide range of emotions, and they are an integral part of being human. Treat yourself with the same understanding and empathy you would extend to a loved one.
To finalise:
Self-gaslighting by attributing our emotions solely to hormones or emotional outbursts is a disservice to ourselves. It undermines our authentic experiences, hinders personal growth and perpetuates a cycle of invalidation. It is essential to recognise the truth behind our emotions and embrace them as valuable messengers guiding us through life. By cultivating self-awareness, validating our experiences, seeking support, challenging self-limiting beliefs, and practising self-compassion, we can break free from the damaging cycle of self-gaslighting. Remember, your emotions matter, and honouring them is a crucial step towards embracing your true self.
Peace and love xo
Sianne C
Transparency Talks Truth 