Gaslighting and C-PTSD: 4 reasons why it can be challenging to recognise

From being scared of triggering situations to normalising manipulation, here are a few reasons why gaslighting can be difficult to recognise.

lifestyle
By Tapatrisha Das, Delhi
Published on Apr 23, 2024 07:54 pm IST 5 Photos
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Complex-PTSD is a condition where a person experiences all the symptoms of PTSD along with additional symptoms such as anger issues and not being able to trust the world. "Gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation where a person is made to doubt their own reality, can be especially challenging to recognize for those with C-PTSD," wrote Therapist Linda Meredith.(Shutterstock)
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Pre-existing self-doubt in case of C-PTSD makes it challenging for us to understand when someone does behavioural patterns similar to gaslighting. (Unsplash)
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When we have been manipulated from an early age, we learn to normalise manipulation and toxic behaviors, making it difficult for us to recognise. (Unsplash)

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C-PTSD makes us highly emotionally sensitive – this makes us difficult for us to understand the distortions in gaslighting. (Shutterstock)
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Conflict makes us feel highly anxious. Hence, we are scared of facing triggering situations. This makes us not stand up for ourselves. (Shutterstock)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tapatrisha Das

Tapatrisha is Content Producer with Hindustan Times. She covers stories related to health, relationships, and fashion.

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