Gaslighting | Community Health

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person is coerced into doubting their own perception, memory, or sanity. The term originated from the 1944 film Gaslight, where a husband attempts to drive his wife insane by manipulating her perception of reality. In recent years, the term has gained widespread usage, with some mental health experts expressing concern that it has been applied too broadly, potentially diluting its original meaning. According to [[american-psychological-association|American Psychological Association]], gaslighting can have severe effects on a person's mental health, including anxiety, depression, and even [[post-traumatic-stress-disorder|post-traumatic stress disorder]]. The [[world-health-organization|World Health Organization]] also recognizes the impact of gaslighting on mental health, emphasizing the need for awareness and education. With the rise of social media, gaslighting has become a buzzword, with many using it to describe ordinary disagreements or [[social-media|social media]] interactions. However, experts warn that this oversimplification can trivialize the experiences of those who have been genuinely gaslighted, and undermine the term's original intent. As noted by [[dr-drew-pinsky|Dr. Drew Pinsky]], a prominent psychiatrist, gaslighting is a serious issue that requires a nuanced understanding and approach.