Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse and manipulation where the victim is made to doubt their own perception of reality, even their own sanity. The abuser could be a romantic partner, an employer, or anyone in a position of power. To sow doubt and confusion in your mind—and gain more control over you—the abuser may tell you that you’re making things up, forgetting what really happened, or acting crazy and irrational. This can make you question your feelings and memories, damage your self-esteem, and lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.