Understanding Codependency: Signs, Symptoms, and Seeking Treatment

Codependency is a complicated and frequently misinterpreted phenomenon that occurs in relationships. Codependency is anything but a harmless eccentricity; it can have a significant negative influence on a person’s sense of self, interpersonal relationships, and emotional health. We’ll examine the subtleties of codependency in this blog post, including its warning signals, symptoms, and the process of getting help.

WHAT IS CODEPENDENCY ?

A tendency in relationships known as codependency occurs when one person overly depends on and seeks to please another, frequently at the expense of their own needs and well-being. It’s similar to having an unhealthy obsession with looking after other people, even at the expense of your own pleasure and boundaries.

In other words, it is Excessive dependence on others for approval and an excessive emphasis on satisfying their needs—often at the price of one’s own wellbeing—are hallmarks of codependency, a relational pattern. Usually, it entails an unbalanced and dysfunctional give-and-take relationship in which one person takes on the role of the rescuer or carer and the other takes on the role of the dependent.

Signs and Symptoms of Codependency:

1. Low Self-Esteem: Individuals struggling with codependency often have an exaggerated need for approval and validation from others, stemming from underlying feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness. It could also be the case of some insecurity within their own self or from others.
2. People-Pleasing Behavior: Codependents may go to great lengths to please others, sacrificing their own needs and desires in the process. They may struggle to say no or set boundaries, fearing rejection or disapproval. This can also cause because of some underlying past or some childhood traumas where they were not given the attention
3. Poor Boundaries: Difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is a hallmark of codependency. Codependents may feel responsible for others’ emotions and actions, leading to overinvolvement and enabling behaviors. They think they don’t want to hurt someone or disregard anyone’s emotions.
4. Caretaking and Rescue Behavior: Codependents may assume the role of the caretaker or rescuer in relationships, constantly striving to fix or save others from their problems. This pattern often perpetuates feelings of resentment and burnout. They don’t want to give up on anyone because they feel they are the only ones who can save it and they feel the urge to put their efforts into it.
5. Difficulty with Authenticity: Codependents may struggle to express their true thoughts, feelings, and preferences, fearing rejection or conflict. They may adapt their behavior to fit others’ expectations, leading to a loss of self-identity.

Seeking Treatment for Codependency:

1. Self-Awareness:  To overcome codependency, one must first identify and accept the issue. This frequently entails examining one’s relationship habits, delving into hidden feelings, and pinpointing areas in which one needs to improve.
2. Therapy: For the purpose of treating codependency, individual therapy—especially modalities like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—can be quite helpful. In therapy, one can safely examine underlying problems, create constructive coping mechanisms, and learn how to set limits. You can talk to one of our qualified psychologists on our app LET’S GET HAPPI 24/7. The app also contains some very informative articles, guided meditation, journals, mood log and many more.
3. Support Groups: On the path to recovery, joining a support group can be extremely beneficial as it offers peer affirmation, encouragement, and support. You can find them on the internet or any referrals.
4. Self-Care: Making self-care a priority is crucial for those in codependency recovery. This could entail cultivating relationships that are helpful and reciprocal, practicing mindfulness, and partaking in joyful pastimes and pursuits.

Codependency is a complex and frequently difficult problem that needs empathy, introspection, and a strong desire to improve. It is very crucial to be self aware to understand the problem. Through recognising the telltale indications of codependency and obtaining the right help, people can take the first steps towards happier, more satisfying relationships and a more robust sense of self. Remind yourself that you are worthy of love, respect, and sincerity in all of your relationships, and that you can recover from codependency.