What is Codependency?

You’ve heard the term “codependency”.  But what does it really meanand how does it affect your life?  Codependency is a very complex anddifficult issue that affects many people in different ways. It is usuallycharacterized by individuals who have an excessive emotional orpsychological dependence on another person, often to the point ofsacrificing their own needs and wants to please or accommodate thatperson.If this sounds like you, don’t worry, you aren’t alone!  Codependency isa common pattern of behavior that often develops in childhood as aresponse to an emotionally distant parent or caregiver.  For example, aparent or spouse/partner who struggles with addiction or another mentalhealth disorder that makes it difficult for them meet another’s emotionalneeds.  As a way of compensating, some people develop unhealthyhabits to try and get those needs met.People who are codependent often have difficulty setting boundariesand may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. It can be adifficult issue to overcome, but fortunately, counseling can be incrediblyhelpful for people who are struggling with codependency.  Throughcounseling, those unhealthy codependent habits can be replaced byhealthier, more effective ways of behaving.When it comes to counseling for codependency, there are severaldifferent approaches that can be helpful. For example, talk therapy canbe very effective for helping people to identify the underlying causes oftheir codependency, while cognitive-behavioral therapy can help peopleto develop healthier coping mechanisms and ways of thinking.Here are 5 quick tips for recovering from codependency: Be patient: Recovering from codependency is a process, and it’simportant to be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to overcome yourcodependency overnight and celebrate small victories along the way.With these tips, counseling, and support from resources likeCodependents Anonymous, people who are struggling withcodependency can begin to recover and live fuller, more fulfilling lives.If you are ready to start detaching and healing from your codependentways, I’m here to support you. Set boundaries: Learning to say “no” and setting boundaries is animportant part of recovering from codependency. It’s important torecognize that you can’t control other people’s behavior, and that it’sokay to prioritize your own needs and wants. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential whenrecovering from codependency. This includes practicing mindfulness,engaging in activities that you enjoy, and taking care of your physicalhealth. Seek support: Joining a support group like Codependents Anonymouscan be incredibly helpful for people who are struggling withcodependency. Being around people who understand what you’re goingthrough can be very validating and empowering. To find a support groupnear you, visit https://coda.org Address underlying issues: Often, codependency is rooted in deeperissues like childhood trauma or low self-esteem. Addressing theseunderlying issues in therapy can be helpful for long-term recovery.