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Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful response. It was very useful to me and has given me something to think about.

I had thought it existed on a spectrum of sorts, but apparently I am wrong. I had formulated that perspective based on quite a few areas of research, but perhaps, as someone else stated, the definition has become more convoluted over time since it has entered the mainstream lexicon. Either way...

I think there probably has been some misunderstandings here as regards to what constitutes gaslighting. My definition of it is that it is an attempt on the part of one human being to undermine another human beings perception of reality by forcing them to question their own perception of reality...

Well, it's news to me that a person cannot accidentally gaslight someone and that it has to have intent behind it. If that truly is the case, then I am in the unenviable position of having more than one disordered individual in my immediate family. I challenge anyone here to tell me that...

I have experienced emotional avoidance issues myself, i.e. I would shame them and try and stamp them back down with addictions. A natural part of that can be reacting negatively to strong emotional reactions in others and/or denial of the legitimacy of others emotions. I also have a highly...

Gaslighting is everywhere. Invalidating another person's emotions and/or perspectives is another form of gas-lighting. Although people with personality disorders have turned this into an art form, it is also used by the rest of the population, particularly amongst people with emotionally...

She doesn't know about PTSD, because I am not yet formally diagnosed. I am still waiting on an appointment. I have a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, and experience intermittent anxiety and depression. I interpreted the 'addressing your issues' part as referring to the fact that her and I...

I wanted to let everyone who responded to this thread know that I had a response to my text, and what all your perspectives are on it. It was as follows: "I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble sleeping. Perhaps you need to address unresolved issues? Give me a ring if and when you are up to...

Thank you to all of you for responding to me. It was useful and supportive x

Absolutely fine again. Funny thing was I have been having a really awesome day and practicing music, and all has been well. And then... that. I just burst into tears I was so afraid. But I feel better now. The written word does not faze me, it's the face to face stuff I can't do. Lol, it's...

I sent a text saying: "No. I am once again sleep deprived and am not up to speaking on the phone. However, I am not shutting down your basic human right to communicate so please email me tomorrow with whatever you feel like saying, and I will endeavour to respond in a timely fashion. That may...

My anxiety has just gone into hyperdrive. I have had a text from my Mother, whom I have not spoken to for a month now, saying "I would like to phone you, is that ok?" She is an abusive individual. Probable narc. I cannot take this; it's a double bind. If I say yes, I will have to cope with...

You are cared about. Even though these exchanges are taking place over the Internet, the positive intent is still there. I acknowledge and validate your humanity. Myself, I wish there were ways to meet other people near where I live who have been affected my trauma, but there are no such...

I had this exact issue with Efexor. Minor electrical jolts every time I moved my head, lasted about a fortnight. Coming off them was one of the best things I ever did. I'll never go back to meds no matter how bad things get.

I took Efexor (Venlafaxine) for nine years and suffered acute memory loss and impaired cognitive functioning as a result. Perhaps I've missed something, but isn't the idea of taking a tablet which suppresses natural emotions damaging to the idea of recovery from PTSD, when part of the recovery...

I have had major and debilitating episodes of selective mutism in my life. It occurs on occasions when I am traumatised, overwhelmed, reminded of past traumas. It feels disempowering. Selective mutism is often highly synonymous with Autism, and I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder...

Abusive individuals can pretend, for short periods of time, to stop using psychologically abusive manipulation techniques such as gaslighting, but it is exactly that, a pretense - usually to lull you into a false sense of security, because if they can abuse a person when their 'guard' is down...

I managed to get out for a nice walk in the morning before the rain started.

Although I can have periods when I sleep quite well, last night wasn't a good one. I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. This is common for me. Another scenario is finding it impossible to fall asleep. Both are caused by the constant invasive dialogue in my mind, which springs into action...

In general this lack of respect for personal space happens to me a lot, although I have noticed that many human beings seem to display a weird and slightly creepy lack of awareness regarding other people's personal space. Normally, I just move away, whilst stifling the urge to shout at them.

I was delighted to see this thread. I definitely have faith, in God, and pray very regularly. I am non-denominational. I was in a church just before Christmas and it was hilarious. Groupthink everywhere. Isn't it interesting how the congregation can also be referred to as a 'flock'? As in...

Well, I am definitely familiar with the feeling of not belonging, but I am also aware that the feeling of not belonging is not unique. If a person were to add together all of the people in all of the different demographics who feel like they don't belong, I'm sure it would be quite a substantial...

I am quite familiar with this scenario and completely believe that there are individuals who are subjected to this kind of harassment on a regular basis, but simply choose to view it as 're-enactment', which Pete Walker describes in his book. I have experienced this phenomena on a fairly large...

Based on the scale of maladaptation, i.e. beating her twelve year old daughter to the point where she is lying on top of her, whilst screaming at the top of her voice, as her other (five year old) daughter stands watching, utterly traumatised (that was me), I would say that she has a lot more...

There are a huge number of variations on gaslighting, it isn't always blatant, and in your face. Some people are so adept at it that it can be quite a while afterwards that you realise what has happened - even if you are aware of gaslighting and how it works.