S2EP9 Self Gaslighting

Kelly is peeling back the layers of self-deception to uncover the subtle yet pervasive behavior of self-gaslighting. Whether it's downplaying emotions, invalidating personal experiences, or blaming oneself for uncontrollable events, she’s exploring the reasons behind this self-sabotaging behavior.

Discover how coping mechanisms, low self-esteem, avoidance of conflict, fear of rejection, and external influences can lead us to betray our own truths. With vulnerability and insight, Kelly examines the impact of societal norms and personal anecdotes, including a candid recount of a recent encounter with sexism that left her questioning her own experiences.

This episode is not just an exploration—it's a call to action for increased self-awareness and the rebuilding of self-trust. Kelly provides you with thought-provoking prompts to help identify and address self-gaslighting, all with the goal of fostering healthier self-relationships.

Main Takeaways:

• Understanding self-gaslighting and its origins

• Coping mechanisms and how they contribute to self-gaslighting

• The role of self-esteem and societal pressures in self-deception

• Strategies for recognizing and combating self-gaslighting behaviors

Thought Prompts for Reflection:

The first: Ask yourself, "Do I often dismiss or invalidate my own emotions and experiences?" Reflect on moments when you've felt upset, hurt, or frustrated and consider how you've responded to those feelings. Do you tend to downplay your emotions, tell yourself you're overreacting, or convince yourself that you shouldn't feel a certain way? Recognizing patterns of invalidation can be a crucial step in identifying self-gaslighting behaviors.

The second. Consider your internal dialogue and self-talk. Ask yourself, "Do I frequently criticize or blame myself for things that are beyond my control?" Pay attention to the language you use when talking to yourself. Do you often engage in negative self-talk, berate yourself for perceived mistakes, or hold yourself to impossibly high standards? Reflecting on the tone and content of your self-talk can reveal whether you're engaging in self-gaslighting by internalizing blame or devaluing your worth.

The third. Do a little Reality check: Reflect on instances where you've questioned your own perception of reality or doubted your memory. Ask yourself, "Have I ever found myself doubting my own thoughts, feelings, or memories?" Look at situations where others have challenged your version of events or made you question your own sanity. Reflect on whether you've ever second-guessed yourself or deferred to others' interpretations of reality, even when your own experiences tell you otherwise. Recognizing moments of self-doubt and uncertainty can be indicative of self-gaslighting tendencies.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wiki gaslighting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslighting

Contact us - send questions and comments to:
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Reach Megan:
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/megan_lachowski
Peeves' Gabfest Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peeves-gabfest/id1686738715
Novantihub Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/novanti/id1684642100

Resources:
MarcoPolo App | https://www.marcopolo.me

The information provided on Your Future Therapist Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Always seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new health regimen. We are not licensed psychologists or specialist healthcare professionals. Our services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals.