CODEPENDENCY PART 1

• August 10, 2022
• 250 views

Codependency

Codependency is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction”

In relationships, it’s natural to rely on each other for support. However, giving up your own needs and identity to meet the needs of another person is unhealthy and has short-term and long-term consequences.

Signs of Codependency 

One key sign of codependency is when your sense of purpose in life is defined by making extreme sacrifices to satisfy another person’s needs. Codependency places a person’s sense of self-worth and emotions entirely dependent on someone else.

The following are signs and symptoms to watch for in codependent relationships:

1. Compulsive Attention to Someone 

Feeling like someone is so important to you and you can’t live without them. You feel a compulsive need to keep yourself connected to that person even if it means having to hide your real thoughts and opinions to make them love you so that you do not lose them.

2. Fear of Abandonment 

When you are codependent, you may have a deep-seated fear that the other person is going to leave you. So your focus in the relationship is mainly intended to make sure the other person doesn’t leave. Even if it means hiding your feelings, lying, and supporting the other person’s unhealthy behaviors.

3. Lack of External Support Systems 

Another potential risk factor for codependent people is relying entirely on one person for their emotional needs. Not having a large social circle or others whom they feel comfortable spending time with.

Codependent people tend to focus so heavily on one person that they don’t have time to spend with other people who are important to them.

Signs of Codependency By WebMD Editorial Contributors – Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on November 23, 2020