Gaslighting and narcissistic abuse are prevalent tactics in toxic relationships. These patterns can be challenging to identify in the early stages, leading to detrimental effects on the victim's mental health and creating significant obstacles. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, therapist and Enso Wellness founder Arouba Kabir stated, “When we enter a relationship, we often do so with the hope that it will endure, seeking a partner who provides a sense of safety and belonging. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Both gaslighting and narcissistic abuse may begin subtly but can become increasingly harmful over time.”

Gaslighting:

The purpose of gaslighting is to instill confusion, foster self-doubt, and create a reliance on the manipulator. In many relationships, gaslighting often begins with minor, seemingly innocuous incidents. Over time, this can lead to constant self-questioning, subtly undermining your confidence and making you feel perpetually at fault.

Narcissistic abuse:

Narcissistic abuse represents another significant form of emotional manipulation that can be exhausting. It occurs when an individual with an inflated sense of self-worth, minimal empathy, and an insatiable need for validation exploits their relationships to exert control. This manipulation follows a predictable cycle: idealization, devaluation, and eventual discard. Initially, the abuser may overwhelm you with attention, affection, and compliments during the idealization phase, making you feel cherished and valued. However, as the relationship evolves, they begin to devalue you, criticizing your actions, diminishing your accomplishments, and instilling feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Ultimately, the narcissist may abruptly discard the victim, often without any forewarning or explanation, leaving them feeling abandoned and devastated.

The common pattern of abuse:

Sexual Intimacy: In this context, sex transcends mere physical closeness; it becomes a tool for exerting control. A narcissistic partner may coerce their significant other into compliance, creating a sense of obligation that leaves them feeling powerless.

Service: This aspect is characterized by an expectation of unyielding service, where one partner, often the victim, is compelled to meet the narcissist's demands without expressing dissent.

Supply: Narcissists crave attention, admiration, and dominance. Consequently, they offer affection in limited doses, manipulate financial resources, and create emotional turmoil for their partner.

How gaslighting and narcissistic abuse can affect mental health:

Self-Doubt and Erosion of Self-Worth: When an individual is persistently made to question their reality or have their truths dismissed, it gradually undermines their self-confidence. Victims of narcissistic abuse frequently endure a spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They may grapple with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and shame, often attributing the abusive behavior to their own shortcomings.

Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation: Prolonged exposure to such a relationship can lead to profound feelings of isolation. Individuals in abusive situations often feel unable to share their experiences, fearing that others will not comprehend their struggles. This silence can exacerbate their sense of loneliness, as they bear the burden of the relationship alone. Additionally, they may increasingly rely on the gaslighter for validation, doubting their own perceptions and looking to the abuser to determine what is real.

Read Also: Is Your AC Secretly Damaging Your Skin? Here’s How to Protect It

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!