Codependency is a condition in which one sacrifice one’s own needs to satisfy the needs of others. A codependent person tends to place a great deal of importance on the lives of others. These people’s thoughts and activities focus on others, such as their spouses or family members.
Relationships that are unstable and unhealthy are more likely to have codependent tendencies. When someone suffers from codependency, they often try to save others from themselves. They may suffer harm while attempting to “treat” an addict or an abusive relationship.
Due to the wide range of symptoms, codependency does not qualify as a mental illness diagnosis. Even yet, it’s capable of causing a great deal of pain. Anxiety may arise as a result of a person’s codependent relationship. You can get help from Johannesburg rehabs. Codependent habits and unhealthy relationships can be alleviated by getting therapy from rehabilitation centres johannesburg.
Codependency symptoms
Rather than describing a couple’s overall dynamics, codependency in psychology refers to a person’s specific actions and attitudes inside that relationship. Codependents may go to great lengths to win the favor of their loved ones. As a result, they may “rely” on others for validation. Helping others becomes an essential part of the identity of someone who is codependent.
Among the most common signs of codependency are:
Low self-esteem
Codependency can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of shame. A person may think they don’t deserve to be happy. Trying to make others value you is a sign of self-esteem issues. Even if the person receiving care does not express gratitude, the feeling of “needing” someone can bring about a sense of inner fulfillment.
Poor sense of personal boundaries
It is common for codependents to have a poor sense of personal boundaries. They may choose to conceal their genuine feelings to avoid offending others. Saying “no” or prioritizing their own needs can be difficult for them.
Codependents may feel they must shield their loved ones from any harm that may come their way. If a loved one commits a crime, they will likely intervene on the victim’s behalf. Such conduct can impede others from developing their sense of self-reliance or from learning from the mistakes of others. It’s also possible that it allows abuse or addiction to continue undetected.
Obsessiveness
As a codependent, you may put the needs of others ahead of your own. You may deny rest, emotional support, and self-care. Those who are codependent may be apprehensive about receiving help from others. They may experience guilt or fear while expressing their preferences.
Codependents often project an image of competence and self-reliance. A lot of people end up taking on too many obligations at once. Insecurity can set in if they make a mistake or receive criticism.
Problems with maintaining control
Codependent people may attach their worth to the well-being of others. A codependent person may believe they have failed themselves if a loved one does not succeed. It is possible that their efforts to improve the lives of others could turn into dominating or possessive conduct.
These symptoms may not be present in all codependents. A person may be codependent if they have many of these characteristics.
Codependency and addiction
When someone is in a relationship with an addict, codependency can arise. The partner may be drug, gambling, or shopping addicted.
The codependent partner may become a “caretaker.” You can trust the caregiver with financial and domestic tasks. The caregiver may intervene if the partner’s addiction causes outside concerns.
Often, a spouse provides care because they want to help. Although their acts may support their spouse’s addiction, they’re not always to fault. A partner’s drive to make beneficial changes is undermined when the caretaker “saves” them from the consequences.
The career isn’t to blame for the other person’s addiction. When someone refuses treatment, codependency may be a cause, but not the only one. No one may compel someone into therapy unless they’re a danger to themselves or others.
This relationship may harm the caregiver. They neglect their own needs to care for their lover. In time, their codependency may worsen. Mental health difficulties aren’t something they’ll seek on their own.
Codependency and abuse
Codependency can develop as a result of abuse. Emotional abuse diminishes people’s self-worth and self-esteem. In some people, codependence is exacerbated by negative feelings.
Addicts may appear to be caregivers to feel wanted. Someone may sacrifice their health to satisfy others. “Rescuing” another might boost confidence and self-worth.
Codependents have a strong sense of obligation to their abuser. Mental illness that is left untreated could lead to the “healing” of an abuser. Mental illness cannot be cured by love. The healing process for those who have been abuse victims necessitates the assistance of professionals.
Codependents may think they’re protecting their families by keeping their difficulties private. Allowing one family member to abuse another can harm the whole family. Failing to report child abuse could make someone an “accessory after the fact” with legal repercussions.
