Gaslighting doesn’t happen only in relationships, but in the workplace too. It’s a form of emotional and mental abuse which induces self-doubt and leaves you questioning your self-worth.
We got in touch with Dr Kamna Chhibber, Head of Department of mental health and behavioral sciences, Fortis Healthcare to help you understand the phenomenon and how to deal with it.
What is gaslighting?
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Gaslighting is a form of manipulation and bullying which makes a person distrust their own experience of events. This can make a person question their own ability. It is a form of psychological manipulation where the individual begins to question their own memory, perception and judgement.
How can you know you’re being gaslighted at work?
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Dr Chhibber explains, “At a workplace, this person can be a negative manager, a scheming and manipulative coworker, a toxic work group or a client, or it can even be a business competitor. Gaslighting at a workplace can be a result of institutional bias or negative social media effects.”
But, how can we distinguish workplace gaslighting from other types of challenges at a job?
Elaborating on its key attributes, Dr Chhibber suggests looking for the following pointers to understand the difference:
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1. Gaslighting creates a continuous negative narrative without any solid proof.
2. The work environment creates a negative sentiment towards the person who is being gaslighted.
3. This mistreatment continues to take place for a prolonged period.
4. When the gaslighter is approached, they deny mistreating anyone.
4 Signs you need to look out for
1. When there is persistent gossiping in a negative manner about you, it is a form of gaslighting.
2. A person persistently passes negative comments about you or your work, be it in a group or individually, or during meetings.
3. Persistent negative humour against one person can also be a form of gaslighting.
4. Being professionally excluded, which can eventually impact your mental health.
Here’s how to deal with gaslighting
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Gaslighting at the workplace can have a severe impact on your mental health, thereby affecting your productivity and peace of mind.
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To overcome it, Dr Chhibber suggests being very certain about the fact that what is happening with you is gaslighting. She explains, “Try to document the gaslighting situations and try to not give the gaslighter any opportunities to challenge you. Taking time off to regroup may prove to be helpful. Self-care will help in understanding the whole situation and how it is not your fault. Support from a colleague who is trustworthy will be helpful. Hence, it is important to reach out.”
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A support system can help you feel certain. Additionally, it can provide some reassurance which can be a helpful tool. “Once you have identified a gaslighting situation, be proactive and take care by addressing it with the person who is gaslighting as avoiding it will not help. Take a problem solving attitude and try to not focus on the emotional aspect. Ask them what is leading them to behave in that way. If the individual becomes aggressive, speak to people in a position of authority to ensure an action is taken,” Dr Chhibber concludes.
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