Connected 24 hours a day, we live in the era of instant communication. Paradoxically, it has never been so easy to disappear from a conversation or relationship. This phenomenon, known as ghosting, has gained alarming dimensions and unimaginable consequences for the emotional health of those involved.
Imagine having a connection with someone, whether emotional or professional, and suddenly, without explanation, that person disappears, leaving no trace. Phone, email, instant messages, all go unanswered. It sounds like a suspense movie, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, for many, this is a reality that is becoming increasingly common. The name given to this practice describes the action of disappearing or cutting off contact with someone without prior notice or explanation. A digital phenomenon that destroys relationships.
The term ghosting is relatively new, but unfortunately, the behavior is quite old. The reasons that lead a person to ghosting are diverse, but all of them can leave deep scars on those who are ‘abandoned’.
Understanding this practice helps not only those who have gone through this situation but also those looking for ways to deal with the pain of rejection and abandonment. The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis delves into this topic, and hypnosis can be a strong ally in this mission.
Ghosting: Where it comes from and how to recognize it
To understand the phenomenon of ghosting, we need to look into the depths of interpersonal relationships and how communication has evolved with technology. The term “ghosting” comes from the English word “ghost.” In practice, it happens when a person suddenly and inexplicably disappears from another’s life, despite having already established an emotional bond.
Ghosting is a common phenomenon in romantic relationships, friendships, and even work relationships, where an individual abruptly disappears, cutting off all contact, leaving the other person without answers.
To identify ghosting, there are some signs to watch for. They are:
- Sudden silence: The person stops responding to your messages for no apparent reason. All communication channels are abruptly closed.
- Avoidance of meetings: The person will start to avoid outings or events that you used to attend together.
- Evidence on social media: The “ghost” may block you on social media or even deactivate their accounts.
It’s important to remember that even if we notice these signs, it’s still hard to accept because it’s a violation of the basic rules of respect and communication between people.
Impact of ghosting: Consequences on emotional health
The occurrence of ghosting, which can be an impactful event, severely affects the emotional health of people. This digital phenomenon can trigger a whirlwind of negative and confusing emotions, leading to serious consequences for the victim.
Victims often report feelings of rejection, abandonment, and insecurity. These emotions are naturally painful and tend to cause lasting damage to self-esteem. Often, those who suffer from ghosting question themselves incessantly and try to understand what they did to deserve such an outcome.
These crises of self-questioning and the resulting emotional confusion can lead to anxiety and depression. The fear of rejection and the need for approval can become obstacles to future social and relationship interactions.
Another consequence is the physical effects caused by emotional stress. Sleeping problems, appetite changes, and lack of energy are some of the possible physical manifestations of this tension.
In the digital world, we need to be aware of these impacts on emotional health and understand that doing this is not a healthy or respectful practice. It is imperative to create a digital etiquette that ensures mutual respect in all online relationships.
The reasons behind the disappearance
The digital age has simplified communication but also given rise to new behaviors, such as ghosting. But what are the reasons behind the sudden disappearance?
At its core, this behavior is a form of evasion. Sometimes, people choose to disappear instead of dealing directly with situations or emotions they find uncomfortable. This behavior is greatly facilitated by digital technology, where it is easy to distance oneself anonymously.
In other cases, the person may feel overwhelmed by the demand to maintain multiple conversations at once, opting to disappear, even if rudely. Remember: the responsibility for ghosting lies with the one who disappears, not with the one left behind.
The internet has brought anonymity that can give individuals the feeling that it is okay to leave someone without any explanation. Furthermore, the fear of confrontation is another major reason for disappearing without explanations. Avoiding a difficult conversation is easier than facing it.
Understanding this dynamic can help us deal with the emotions that arise from it. Remembering that it is not a reflection of your worth can be a powerful antidote in recovering from this phenomenon. In the next chapter, we will take a closer look at the role of online relationships.
The role of ghosting in online relationships
Ghosting is becoming increasingly common in contemporary online relationships. This happens when a person, without any warning or explanation, simply vanishes digitally. Emails, messages, and calls are ignored, leaving the other person wondering what happened.
But why do people choose to ghost instead of ending a relationship in a clear and direct way? One reason is convenience. In an increasingly digital world, face-to-face contact becomes less frequent. This creates a barrier that makes it easier for people to avoid unwanted and uncomfortable confrontations.
Another factor is depersonalization. Dealing with someone through a screen can make us forget that there are feelings and emotions involved. Thus, ghosting practitioners may ignore the emotional damage they are causing.
These actions can have a profound impact on the person who was “ghosted,” potentially leading to feelings of rejection, sadness, anger, and confusion. It is important to be aware of the effect of ghosting on online relationships and understand that no one deserves to be treated that way.
By understanding the essence of this behavior, strategies can be created to deal with the phenomenon, preventing further damage to the mental health of those who suffer from it. In this context, clinical hypnosis can act as a valuable resource in recovery.
Recovery: How to deal with and overcome this phenomenon?
How to deal with and overcome the phenomenon of ghosting ? This is a question that many ask after going through this experience. Here are some tips to help on this recovery journey.
The first step is to recognize what happened. It’s not easy to deal with this situation, but it’s important to admit and acknowledge what occurred. Talk about it, vent. Share your experiences and feelings with trusted friends, family, or a professional.
Self-affirmation
It’s crucial to remember your worth and that you are not defined by the actions of others. Making positive self-affirmations and maintaining a self-loving attitude helps in recovering from ghosting.
Therapies and relaxation techniques
Meditation, yoga, nature walks, or other relaxation practices can be helpful. Often, ghosting can cause anxiety and stress, so relaxation techniques are recommended.
Working with a psychologist or coach can also be beneficial. They can provide tools and strategies to deal with the situation more efficiently.
Give yourself time
Recovery from ghosting does not happen overnight. Therefore, be patient with yourself and give time some time.
Finally, if you want to overcome, it’s important to remember that you deserve a relationship where you are treated with respect and consideration. By following these tips, the pain will begin to fade, and it will become easier to overcome the situation. Remember, you are not alone in this.
The help of hypnosis: A therapeutic alternative
Clinical hypnosis emerges as a powerful ally in the emotional recovery of those who have suffered abandonment. It works on reducing anxiety and stress in situations of loss and abandonment, helping to overcome these traumas.
With its techniques, hypnosis helps break negative thoughts that may occur after ghosting, providing a change in perception about personal value. We are not in a popularity contest. Those who practice this behavior are the ones who set ethics aside.
How the approach works
Through evidence-based practices, clinical hypnosis helps identify and modify automatic behaviors that make us feel bad. With focused attention, we can reframe the traumatic experience and face the problem with more serenity.
What to expect from a hypnosis session?
At the beginning of a session, the hypnologist will guide you to an intentionally induced state of consciousness to reduce peripheral awareness and increase your focus. This allows, even in a situation of pain, to find a point of relief, security, and even well-being.
Hypnosis: an ethical and scientific path
The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis always reinforces the importance of the ethical and careful use of the practice. There are no miracles, only evidence-based techniques. Evidence shows that anxiety and stress, often aggravated, can be alleviated by hypnosis.
Remember: you don’t have to carry any weight alone. Clinical hypnosis can be an effective therapeutic alternative to help you overcome your challenges.
We can use hypnosis as a powerful tool to heal emotional wounds. With any experience of “ghosting,” the victim can feel neglected, confused, and with low self-esteem. Clinical hypnosis, when used correctly, can be effective in treating these feelings.
Ethical and responsible professionals
Professionals associated with the SBH are committed to treating their patients with ethics, respect, and responsibility. Our main goal is to promote the individual’s emotional health and well-being.
With these strategies, we believe the negative impact of “ghosting” can be mitigated. We are here to help reverse this phenomenon that destroys friendships, romantic relationships, and self-esteem.
Strengthening against ghosting and prioritizing ethics on the internet
Let me share a revelation: we can all escape the paralyzing impact of “ghosting.” The key to this lies in strengthening ourselves emotionally and prioritizing ethics on the internet.
First, it is essential to understand what the phenomenon is. This makes it easier to work through the emotions resulting from this phenomenon and balance the healthy use of relationships on the web. We know that the internet has brought us numerous benefits, but it has also exposed us to new forms of discomfort, such as ghosting.
By recognizing the importance of creating more ethical and conscious digital environments and relationships, we take bold steps to reduce the occurrence of this and other harmful behaviors. Internet ethics is a commitment that each of us must make, a fortress that helps us manage both our actions and our reactions to challenging situations.
Being emotionally strengthened is essential to keeping our mental health intact. The clinical hypnosis proposed by the SBH allows us to achieve this goal, empowering us with resources to deal with challenges and emotional suffering.
An empathetic and ethical stance becomes essential. Seeing the other person as a human being with feelings and emotions is an important step in not fostering this practice.
And if we ever suffer, let’s remember that we are not alone, and there are resources that can help us overcome this situation. Clinical hypnosis proves to be a valuable tool in this process, and we, at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, are here to run alongside you on this journey.
Interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even have a new profession? Learn about the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/
Frequently Asked Questions
How can hypnosis help someone who has suffered from ghosting?
Clinical hypnosis is a powerful tool that can be used to overcome the painful effects of ghosting. Through relaxation techniques and positive suggestions, hypnosis can help restructure negative thoughts, promote emotional healing, and help regain control over your emotions and reactions.
What is ghosting in psychology?
In psychology, ghosting is a phenomenon where a person abruptly and without explanation disappears from a personal relationship. This can be a romantic relationship, a friendship, or even a professional relationship. It is generally considered a form of rejection and abandonment, and can have detrimental effects on the mental health of the abandoned person.
Is there any prevention for ghosting?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely prevent ghosting, as it depends on the behavior of others. However, having good communication skills, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining a healthy level of self-esteem can help mitigate the impacts if it occurs.
Is analyzing ghosting through clinical hypnosis effective?
Clinical hypnosis has proven to be an effective ally in analyzing and treating the emotions resulting from ghosting. This is because clinical hypnosis allows access to deeper thought patterns, facilitating a better understanding of the emotional impact and promoting paths to overcoming.
How does the SBH contribute to the treatment of emotional suffering?
The SBH trains professionals through courses and certifications in clinical hypnosis. It also provides resources and support to these professionals in treating various psychological issues. Through its role, it contributes significantly to helping people recover and promoting mental health.