| Are you manipulated, controlled, harassed, or | | | | HOW DO I EMPOWER MYSELF? |
| assaulted in some way and can't figure out how you | | | | You already have! Here you are gaining information. |
| got there? or how to get out? This is abuse. | | | | That's the key to change. Learning to recognize the |
| Sometimes the abuser may try to make you feel as | | | | manipulators and their tactics is the first step. |
| if you deserved to be treated this way. Don't let this | | | | Learning what your personal attributes are that |
| happen. This is brainwashing. | | | | makes you vulnerable to manipulation and |
| What are some of these actions of abuse? | | | | understanding manipulation techniques and how to |
| They include put downs, outbursts, humiliating | | | | respond is the next step. |
| remarks, lies, "gaslighting", rages, assaults, yelling, | | | | IS THERE A WAY OUT? |
| intimidation, threats, belittling, betrayals, judging and | | | | Of course. The cycle of control can be broken and |
| criticizing. | | | | you can learn what the methods are to do this. |
| Your reaction can be a mixture of rage, fear, timidity | | | | Learning how "boundaries" work is one step. Finding |
| or confusion. | | | | the right words to respond to a manipulator is |
| HOW CAN I STOP THE MANIPULATOR? | | | | another. Learning that you have power and how to |
| You can change your behavior and your reactions. It | | | | use it is going to help you out of the depression of |
| takes two to make the manipulation work. If you | | | | the abused. Action is the antidote to depression, but |
| empower yourself to change, you can stop the | | | | act with knowledge and help. Gaining control of your |
| manipulation. | | | | life is your right. Exercise it. |