Gaslighting: It isn’t you; it's never you. It's them.

Sometimes recent events bring up a subject that grabs us by the heart and we need to talk about it. Gaslighting—a specific type of psychological abuse, usually directed at women in order to control them—is one of those topics.

What is it? What are the signs? What can you do if someone is gaslighting you? What should you do if you suspect a friend is being mentally or emotionally abused?

From intimate relationships to family dynamics to the workplace, this often-invisible abuse ruins lives. We firmly believe we have an obligation to speak up and reach out when we see the signs of gaslighting, so we will.

This week we get serious about a serious subject. Lean in and listen up.

Due to the serious nature of this topic, here are some important resources.

Domestic Violence Hotline Website: Gaslighting 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of domestic violence, call 911 or otherwise seek emergency help. Anyone who needs advice or support can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 via:

• phone, at 800-799-7233
• live chat, at thehotline.org
• text, by texting LOVEIS to 22522

Many other resources are available, including helplines, in-person support, and temporary housing. People can find local resources and others classified by demographics, such as support specifically for People of Color, here:

• The Office on Women’s Health
• The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Additional episode resources:

• Examples of gaslighting: Medical News Today (2020)
• What Is Gaslighting and How Do You Deal With It? Forbes Health (2021)
• The Sociology of Gaslighting—American Sociological Association, author Paige L Sweet, Harvard Postdoctoral Fellow (2019)

Stasha’s Watermelon Mocktail

·         1 C fresh seedless watermelon

·         ½ squeezed fresh lime

·         5-10 fresh mint leaves

·         4-6 oz seltzer water (I used Perrier Lime)

 Muddle the watermelon and mint in a tall glass

Add ice then seltzer and lightly stir

If you want to make it into a cocktail, add 1.5 oz of Vodka

 

Cheryl’s Apple Cider Mimosa

·         I Bottle of champagne 

·         1 cup of apple cider

·         Cinnamon and sugar for the rim if desired

 Fill champagne flute ¼ cup of apple cider 

Top off with champagne