If you want to be immune to gaslighting, start doing these 7 things immediately

Remember that time when someone made you question your own perception of reality?

Or worse yet, when you found yourself doubting your sanity, all thanks to someone’s manipulative words or actions?

Sure, we’ve all been there.

That, my friend, is a classic example of gaslighting—a form of psychological manipulation where the perpetrator tries to make the victim question their own memories, perception, or sanity.

And trust me, it’s no fun at all.

But guess what?

There are ways to become immune to this toxic behavior.

Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s not going to be a walk in the park.

It requires a good deal of self-awareness, authenticity, and a whole lot of courage.

But if you’re ready to start steering clear of gaslighting and want to reclaim your truth, stick around.

In this article, I’ll be sharing seven things you can start doing immediately to make yourself immune to gaslighting.

Are you ready? Let’s dive right in.

Oh, and remember: building a solid personal brand isn’t just about what others see.

It’s about knowing who you are, standing up for your truth, and growing consistently—no matter what manipulative tactics others might try to use against you.

1) Know what gaslighting looks like

The first step to becoming immune to any problem is recognizing it. And gaslighting is no different.

You can’t effectively dodge a bullet if you don’t know it’s coming, right?

Get clued up on what exactly gaslighting is, how it works, and its common signs.

It could be constant lying, denying things that actually happened, or even manipulating you to doubt your own sanity.

Knowledge is power. By understanding gaslighting, you gain the upper hand and are less likely to fall prey to this manipulative tactic.

In the journey of personal growth and authenticity, self-awareness is your greatest ally. Don’t let anyone dim your light with their gaslighting tactics.

2) Trust your instincts

One thing I’ve learned over the years is the importance of trusting my instincts, especially in tricky situations.

I remember a few years back, I had a friend who seemed to always turn the tables whenever we argued.

If I ever brought up something they did that upset me, they would somehow twist the situation and make me feel like I was overreacting or misremembering things.

It was confusing and frustrating.

But over time, I started noticing this pattern. And my gut kept telling me that something wasn’t right.

So, I started trusting my instincts more and questioning their version of events. Eventually, I realized that what they were doing was gaslighting.

The lesson here? Trust your gut. Your instincts are often your first line of defense against gaslighting. If something feels off, it probably is.

Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

Remember, staying true to yourself means respecting and trusting your own feelings and perceptions. Don’t let anyone else dictate your reality.

3) Establish your boundaries

Let’s get real for a second.

If people respect you, they respect your boundaries. Period.

But in a gaslighting situation, those boundaries can get trampled without you even realizing it.

I’ve had to learn this the hard way.

In the past, I’ve allowed others to overstep my boundaries, mainly because I didn’t want to seem “difficult” or “unreasonable”. But that only led to me feeling disrespected and manipulated.

But here’s what I’ve learned: setting boundaries is not about being difficult. It’s about respecting and protecting your own mental and emotional space.

It’s okay to say “no”. It’s okay to not engage when someone is trying to twist your reality.

It’s okay to walk away from conversations or situations that make you feel uncomfortable or manipulated.

And anyone who doesn’t respect your boundaries? Well, they don’t deserve a place in your life.

Part of building a solid personal brand is respecting yourself and demanding respect from others. Your boundaries matter.

Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

4) Maintain your independence

Independence. It’s a powerful thing.

When you’re independent, you’re less likely to be swayed by others’ manipulations or distortions of reality.

Think about it. When you have your own thoughts, opinions, and a strong sense of self, it becomes harder for others to manipulate you.

Keep cultivating your interests. Continue learning and growing. Stay curious and open-minded.

And most importantly, remember that your worth is not defined by anyone else’s opinion or validation.

You are your own person. And no amount of gaslighting should ever make you question that.

Developing a strong personal brand is about being authentic and true to yourself. Don’t let anyone else determine your worth or shape your reality.

Stand strong in your independence, and you’ll be far more resistant to any gaslighting attempts.

5) Seek outside perspectives

You know, our brains are wired to seek confirmation for our beliefs. It’s a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias.

But when we’re caught in a gaslighting scenario, this can work against us. We might start believing the gaslighter’s version of reality, because it’s repeatedly presented to us.

That’s where outside perspectives can be a lifesaver.

Talk to someone you trust about the situation. Be open about your concerns. It could be a friend, a family member, or even a professional therapist.

Sometimes, the view from the outside looking in can provide the clarity we need. They can help validate your feelings and experiences or offer a different perspective on the situation.

Remember, seeking help or advice is not a sign of weakness. It’s a testament to your strength and willingness to protect your mental and emotional well-being.

Your personal brand thrives on authenticity and self-awareness, and sometimes, that means seeking insights from others to keep us grounded in reality.

6) Practice self-care

Let’s face it. Gaslighting can be draining, both mentally and emotionally.

But here’s something important to remember: It’s okay to take care of yourself.

In fact, it’s necessary.

Make sure to carve out time for activities that help you relax and recharge. It could be reading a good book, enjoying a warm bath, going for a run, or simply spending some quiet time alone.

Nurture your mental and emotional health. You deserve to feel good, to be happy, and to live a life free from manipulation and gaslighting.

Remember, part of building a strong personal brand is about being the best version of yourself. And that involves taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.

Don’t feel guilty about prioritizing self-care. You’re worth it.

7) Believe in yourself

You are stronger than you think.

You have the ability to discern the truth, to stand up for yourself, and to resist manipulation.

Believe in your intuition, your perceptions, and your reality. Trust in your experiences and your feelings. They are valid and they matter.

Don’t let anyone make you doubt your worth or your truth.

Remember, you have the power to overcome gaslighting. You just need to believe in yourself.

Final thoughts

Gaslighting can be a tough thing to navigate. But remember, you are capable and empowered to counter this manipulation.

With these strategies, you’re not only shielding yourself from gaslighting but also nurturing your personal growth.

It’s about fostering self-awareness, setting firm boundaries, and above all, honoring your truth.

And as you do this, remember to be patient with yourself. Change doesn’t happen overnight. But every small step you take towards protecting your mental and emotional well-being is a victory in itself.

As you embark on this journey, remember that your worth isn’t defined by others’ opinions or manipulations. You are much more than that.

Stand tall in your truth, trust in yourself, and continue to grow authentically. The world needs more of that – more of you in your most authentic and resilient form.

Because at the end of the day, you are your own best advocate. And no amount of gaslighting should ever change that.