Have you or someone you love been displaying signs of codependency? Codependency is something many people have, but they don’t realize it. Additionally, for some, codependency can take over their life to the point of not being able to function normally. Codependency can develop in many forms, but the result is the same. Unfortunately, you don’t realize how important your mental health and wellness are until something goes wrong.
Let’s take a look at the meaning of codependency. We will also show you how to recognize the signs of codependency and how to treat it.
What Is Codependency?
Codependency is a condition that usually develops over time. Codependency is generally when someone sacrifices their personal needs to meet the needs of someone else. It is a behavioral condition where one person in a relationship enables another person’s behavior in any given area of their life. For example:
- Addiction
- Self-esteem
- Immaturity
- Irresponsibility
- Under-achievement
Basically, a codependent person has an excessive dependency on other people or persons for approval, permission, and confirmation of their self-worth. This leads to a codependent sacrificing their own needs to meet the needs of others. They focus outside of themselves while all their thoughts and actions revolve around others.
How Does Codependency Develop?
Codependency often develops in childhood and carries over into adulthood. This can occur when a child grows up in a home where one or both parents exhibit some type of emotional neglect. This leads to the child developing low self-esteem, shame, and little to no self-worth.
Someone who has codependent tendencies is often in or has been in an abusive relationship. A codependent person might also have been in an unbalanced relationship that others would view as unhealthy. Typically, a codependent spends their time trying to “fix” someone else, such as a person with mental or physically abusive behaviors or addictions.
Additionally, being codependent often leads to the development of other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, and more. Furthermore, codependent tendencies can lead to that person getting hurt while trying to cure the other person’s abusive or addictive behaviors.
What Are the Signs of Codependency?
There are several signs of codependency, some of which might surprise you. A codependent might exhibit behaviors such as:
- Finding it hard to tell people “No” which leads to taking on more than one can handle
- Low-self esteem and linking their self-worth to another’s well-being
- Feels responsible for others’ happiness
- Needs to “save” others
- Self-denial such as always putting others needs over their own
Is Codependency a Treatable Condition?
Codependency is a treatable condition. However, treating codependency usually isn’t something that can be done on your own. A qualified therapist or a mental health facility can help someone with codependency issues. A qualified therapist knows the proper techniques to change codependent behaviors effectively. Therapy could, in turn, help lead to healthier relationships in the future.
Final Thoughts about the Signs of Codependency
Getting help to change codependent behaviors is vital to living a healthy life. Just imagine how you will feel like someone who has recovered from being codependent? You will no longer feel as if you have to stay in unhealthy, abusive, painful relationships. You will ultimately realize, you are not responsible for anyone’s happiness except your own. And if you do end up in an unhealthy relationship, you will find it easier to walk away.
Springfield Wellness Center Is Here to Help
If you recognize the signs of codependency in yourself or someone else, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us today.
A qualified professional at the Springfield Wellness Center in Louisiana can provide you with the help you need to get past this issue. Imagine how good it will feel once you learn how to divide and conquer — no more letting codependency rule your life. It’s time to take control and let the real you shine through.
At Springfield Wellness Center in Louisiana, we provide treatment for a growing list of conditions, beginning with addiction detox and extending to post-traumatic stress, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. We heard the cry for help nearly 20 years ago. People come to us from all over the world in search of our safe, natural, alternative methods of treatment.