Are You Doubting Your Own Memories?

If you’ve ever felt a cloud of confusion surrounding your memories and emotions, you might be experiencing the effects of emotional gaslighting. This insidious form of psychological manipulation can leave you doubting your own perceptions and questioning the validity of your feelings.

In family dynamics, particularly with emotionally immature parents, this confusion can be even more pronounced. It often feels like you’re trapped in a whirlwind of doubt, unsure of what is real and what is fabricated. You’re not alone in this struggle, and understanding gaslighting is the first step towards reclaiming your truth.

Why Parents Gaslight

Emotionally immature parents may engage in gaslighting for various reasons, primarily to preserve their self-image or avoid accountability for their actions. They might feel threatened by the possibility of being seen as flawed or inadequate, leading them to manipulate the narrative in their favour.

For instance, when faced with criticism or uncomfortable situations, they may deny their behaviours or project blame onto their children. This not only deflects responsibility but also maintains a facade of control and stability.

Unfortunately, this manipulation can leave you feeling isolated, invalidated, and deeply confused about your experiences.

Steps to Reclaim your Truth

Reclaiming your truth after experiencing gaslighting is an empowering journey. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate this path:

Journaling About Memories: Start documenting your memories, feelings, and experiences in a journal. Writing down your thoughts can help you clarify your feelings and provide a tangible record of events. This practice reinforces your perspective and helps counteract the doubt that gaslighting creates.

Discussing Events with Supportive Friends or a Therapist: Talking about your experiences with trusted friends or a therapist can provide validation and perspective. They can help you navigate your feelings and offer support in recognising the reality of your experiences. This external validation can be crucial in rebuilding your sense of self-trust.

Trusting Your Gut Instincts: Pay attention to your intuition. Often, your gut feelings can guide you towards recognising what feels true and authentic. Trusting yourself is a vital step in overcoming the confusion gaslighting instils.

Conclusion

Reclaiming your personal truth is a vital journey towards healing. Remember that your experiences are valid, and you deserve to be seen and heard.

If you find yourself struggling to navigate the complexities of emotional gaslighting, seeking support can be a transformative step. Whether through therapy or supportive relationships, validation of your experiences is essential for rebuilding trust in yourself.

You are not alone in this journey, and reaching out for support can help you regain clarity and confidence in your truth.

If the themes of this article resonate with you [or someone you know] and you’d like one-to-one support to navigate your way through this time, click here to start your therapy journey today.