Work can be stressful enough without adding mind games into the mix. But unfortunately, workplace gaslighting is a real thing. It’s that sneaky manipulation that makes you doubt your own sanity and perceptions. If you’re feeling confused, stressed, or like you’re constantly second-guessing yourself at work, it might be time to pay attention. Here are some signs that you could be dealing with gaslighting in the workplace.
1. Your achievements are constantly downplayed or dismissed.
Maybe you just finished a successful project, but your boss shrugs it off or gives credit to someone else. Perhaps your ideas are met with dismissive comments or eye-rolls. This consistent undermining of your accomplishments can leave you feeling insecure and doubting your abilities. It’s a classic gaslighting tactic to make you question your own competence, Verywell Mind warns.
2. You’re constantly being told you’re “overreacting” or “too sensitive.”
If you raise concerns or express your feelings, and you’re met with accusations of being overly emotional or dramatic, that’s a red flag. It’s a way of invalidating your experiences and making you doubt your own judgment. Gaslighters often use this tactic to silence your voice and maintain control.
3. Your colleagues are being turned against you.
Have you noticed that your colleagues are suddenly treating you differently? Maybe they’re spreading rumors or gossiping about you behind your back. This could be a sign that someone is trying to isolate you and undermine your relationships at work. Gaslighters often use this tactic to make you feel alone and vulnerable.
4. You feel like you’re always walking on eggshells.
Do you feel anxious or on edge at work, constantly worried about saying or doing the wrong thing? This is a common experience for people who are being gaslighted. The constant fear of upsetting your boss or colleagues can be exhausting and debilitating. It’s a way of keeping you in line and preventing you from speaking out or asserting yourself.
5. You’re constantly being blamed for things that aren’t your fault.
Gaslighters are experts at shifting blame. They might accuse you of making mistakes you didn’t make, losing things you never had, or causing problems that were actually their doing. This can leave you feeling confused and doubting your own memory. It’s a way of undermining your credibility and making you question your own perceptions.
6. Promises are made but never kept.
Maybe your boss promised you a promotion but keeps pushing it back. Or perhaps a colleague agreed to help you with a project, but then suddenly disappeared. This pattern of broken promises can leave you feeling frustrated and distrustful. It’s a way of manipulating you and keeping you hoping for something that may never come.
7. You’re being excluded from important meetings or information.
Have you noticed that you’re being left out of important conversations or decisions? Maybe your emails are going unanswered, or you’re not being invited to meetings that are relevant to your work. This can make you feel isolated and unimportant. It’s a way of undermining your role in the company and making you feel like you don’t belong.
8. You’re starting to doubt your own sanity.
If you’re feeling confused, disoriented, and questioning your own judgment, it’s important to take a step back and assess the situation. Gaslighting can have a serious impact on your mental health and well-being. It’s important to trust your instincts and seek support if you feel like you’re being manipulated or mistreated.
9. You feel like you can’t do anything right.
No matter how hard you try or how well you perform, it seems like your efforts are never good enough. Your work is constantly criticized, and you’re always being told that you need to improve. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, making you feel like you’re trapped in a never-ending cycle of failure.
10. You’re starting to isolate yourself.
The constant negativity and manipulation can take a toll on your mental health, Psychology Today notes, leading you to withdraw from your colleagues and friends. You might start skipping social events, avoiding conversations, or even dreading coming to work altogether. This isolation can further exacerbate the effects of gaslighting, making you feel even more alone and vulnerable.
11. Your physical health is starting to suffer.
The stress and anxiety caused by gaslighting can manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. You might also experience changes in appetite or a weakened immune system. These physical symptoms are a sign that the emotional toll of gaslighting is taking a toll on your overall well-being.
12. You find yourself apologizing constantly.
Even when you’ve done nothing wrong, you find yourself apologizing for things that aren’t your fault. This is a common behavior in people who are being gaslighted. The constant apologies are a way of trying to appease the gaslighter and avoid further conflict. It’s a sign that you’re internalizing the blame and doubting your own worth.
13. You’re losing your sense of self.
Gaslighting can erode your confidence and self-esteem, leaving you feeling unsure of who you are and what you believe in. You might start questioning your own values, opinions, and even your sanity. This loss of self can be devastating, making it difficult to make decisions, assert your needs, and stand up for yourself.
14. You feel trapped and hopeless.
The constant manipulation and negativity can make you feel trapped in a hopeless situation. You might feel like there’s no way out, that you’re stuck in a toxic environment with no escape. This feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming, leading to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. If you’re feeling this way, it’s important to seek help immediately.