No, You’re Not Going Crazy
Updated: Jun 14, 2023
Written by: Angela Lee, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Serial mind game players keep you guessing, they leave you in limbo and confused. They often avoid commitments and taking responsibility for their actions.
Mind games are psychological actions primarily employing passive-aggressive behaviour (a form of emotional abuse), designed to demoralise or dis-empower an individual. People that engage in these games are not only dangerous, but deceptive, particularly as their toxic behaviour can impact on your well-being and mental health.
In terms of romantic relationships, sending someone mixed signals, love bombing, breadcrumbing, silent treatment and gaslighting are a few toxic dysfunctional themes that some people tend to exhibit often at the early stages of a relationship. These tactics are often used to seduce and control you; or to boost their deflated ego or self-esteem. When dealing with ‘mind game players’, (often unhealthy narcissists) it is imperative that you are mindful and aware of your own needs and avoid engaging with their ‘drama’, which is a part of The Karpman Drama Triangle.
Cunningly, the manipulative person tends to become the rescuer, persecutor, and victim. (Stephen Karpman). Avoid reacting, don’t allow them to ‘yank your strings’! Unsurprisingly, mind games are not foreign to our places of work. Managers can often engage in these dysfunctional themes to gain edge over a rival by disrupting their focus. Work colleagues can often use these manipulative tactics when they are struggling with their own insecurities.
Habitually, manipulative narcissists will play mind games to manipulate you, where you will begin to question your own judgement, memory, and reality. Subsequently, they will often mention that you are ‘imagining things. How can we deal with these manipulators? Speaking up for yourself with assertive communication with regards to your expectations and setting appropriate boundaries with the person playing mind games, will inevitably avoid repeated incidences.
Angela Lee, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Angela Lee, is a leader in mindset shift coaching, CBT, mental health and personal development. A brain tumour developed after a series of traumatic events led Angela to develop strategies to manage mental health and wellness. She is in her final year of her MSc Psychology in Mental Health where she has dedicated her life to helping others overcome their mental health challenge. She is a professional certified life coach (ALTEC), public speaker and author. Angela also has a podcast on Spotify where she continues to support her clients, she is also an English Teacher and a Trainer.
