Definition of Co-Dependency

Co-dependency is a condition in which a person finds their self-esteem and self-worth dependent upon the approval and praise of others. It is a dysfunctional relationship in which a person goes beyond the boundaries of their own needs and feelings and places the needs of the other person higher than their own. Co-dependency is commonly experienced in a romantic relationship between individuals but can also occur in other aspects of life such as within the family, in the workplace, or in terms of a general attitude towards life.

Co-dependency is often characterized by a person being too reliant on the other whilst minimizing their own value and needs. Therefore, co-dependency creates an imbalanced dynamic where the focus is primarily on the other person, while the individual’s own feelings are politicized. This is a serious kind of codependency and can result in the victim of the relationship being neglected and taken advantage of. An example of this could be when one partner in a couple puts the other first above all else, while the other partner does not show the same level of commitment.
Common Signs of Co-Dependency:
• Difficulty forming healthy and independent relationships
• Exaggerated need to be liked or accepted by others
• Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
• Unhealthy preoccupation with the needs, problems, or behaviors of another person
• Inability to set boundaries in a relationship
• Feeling responsible for the happiness and well-being of another person
• Fearful when faced with being alone or without a partner

Examples of Co-Dependency

One example of co-dependency is when an individual devotes too much of their time and energy caring for other people, while neglecting their own needs and goals. This type of co-dependent behaviour can be seen in romantic relationships, friendships, and even with family members. For instance, a person might be in a relationship where they take on a great deal of the responsibility of maintaining household tasks, while their partner does very little in comparison. As a result, the individual may become exhausted and resentful, yet enmeshed in a cycle where they take on more than their fair share of psychological and physical work.

Another example of co-dependency is enabling behaviour, which can be seen between two people when one contributes to the misbehaviour or condition of the other while trying to protect them from accountability. This can be seen when an individual tries to constantly take care of their partner, despite their partner making poor decisions that could potentially harm them. This type of protective behaviour often leads to more and more dependency, as the individual starts to rely on another person for all of their needs. It is important to be aware of such behaviours and take steps to ensure that each person is taking care of their own wellbeing.
• Examples of co-dependency include:
o Devoting too much time and energy to caring for others while neglecting one’s own needs.
o Enabling behaviour, where an individual contributes to the misbehaviour or condition of another person while trying to protect them from accountability.
• It is important to be aware of such behaviours and take steps to ensure that each person is taking care of their own wellbeing.
• Co-dependent relationships can lead to resentment, exhaustion, and a cycle where one takes on more than their fair share of psychological and physical work.

Signs and Symptoms of Co-Dependency

Co-dependency can manifest in numerous ways. Those suffering from this disorder often display difficulty trusting and forming meaningful attachments to others, frequently controlling and manipulating relationships to avoid potential abandonment. They may also have thoughts or behaviors centered around helping others without asking for help, experiencing low self-esteem, and have difficulty recognizing their own needs.

In addition to emotional patterns, there are physical and behavioral indicators of co-dependency. Those dealing with this disorder often engage in more passive-aggressive behavior, show signs of depression or anxiety, and engage in substance abuse or addictive behavior. They are also likely to be codependent in either one-on-one or group relationships and display varying degrees of resentment, guilt, and hostility. It is important to remember that while some people may present with all of these signs, co-dependency is a largely individualized disorder, meaning individual presentations can be highly varied.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Co-Dependency:
• Difficulty trusting and forming meaningful attachments to others
• Controlling and manipulating relationships to avoid potential abandonment
• Helping others without asking for help
• Experiencing low self-esteem
• Difficulty recognizing own needs
• Engaging in passive-aggressive behavior
• Showing signs of depression or anxiety
• Engaging in substance abuse or addictive behavior
• Codependent one-on-one or group relationships
• Display varying degrees of resentment, guilt, and hostility

Causes of Co-Dependency

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Co-dependency can be caused by a variety of factors, including low self-esteem, attachment issues, or a lack of important relationships in one’s life. While the causes are often rooted in one’s childhood, co-dependency oftentimes is adapted as an adult in order to cope with difficult life situations.

In many ways, co-dependency begins as a result of an individual attempting to fill the void left by painful or unresolved experiences in their past. Those with co-dependency will find themselves seeking validation and approval from external sources instead of seeking inner peace and balance. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of co-dependency can often be an important step in the recovery process.
• Low Self-Esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem may be more likely to develop co-dependency as a way of seeking validation and approval from others.
• Attachment Issues: Those who have experienced trauma or difficulty forming healthy attachments in their past may find themselves relying on the approval of others for comfort and security.
• Lack of Relationships: A lack of important relationships in one’s life can lead to feelings of isolation, which can then contribute to co-dependency as an individual seeks out connection or acceptance elsewhere.
• Coping Mechanism: Co-dependency is often adopted as a coping mechanism for difficult life situations such as illness, loss, or family conflict.

The Impact of Co-Dependency

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Co-Dependency can have a profound effect on an individual, both mentally and physically. Over time, it can lead to poor self-esteem and feelings of vulnerability. People who are in a co-dependent relationship may find it difficult to identify their own needs and feelings, and to express these needs in an assertive manner. Negative thought patterns can lead to self-sabotage and unhelpful decisions being made. Co-dependency can also have a damaging effect on physical health, as stress and anxiety are known to negatively influence our overall wellbeing.

The impact of co-dependency can also extend to the other person in the relationship. Often, this can manifest in issues such as guilt, anxiety, feelings of obligation and a lack of autonomy. People in this position may also feel trapped in their circumstances and unable to make choices which are genuinely in their best interests. If left unmanaged, the impact of co-dependency on both parties can be long-lasting and destructive.

• The Impact of Co-Dependency on an Individual:
• Poor self-esteem and feelings of vulnerability
• Difficulty in identifying needs and expressing them assertively
• Negative thought patterns leading to self-sabotage and unhelpful decisions being made
• Impact on physical health due to stress and anxiety

• The Impact of Co-Dependency on the Other Person in the Relationship:


• Feelings of guilt, anxiety, obligation, or lack autonomy


• Feeling trapped in their circumstances with limited ability to make choices which are genuinely in their best interests.

Strategies for Recovery from Co-Dependency

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The first step in recovering from codependency is to develop self-awareness. This involves acknowledging the unhealthy patterns of behavior that have been established in response to past trauma or stress. This can be done through journaling, reaching out to other people who have dealt with similar issues, or attending a codependency therapy group. Once an individual has accepted that they are codependent, they can start to work on changing thought patterns and developing healthier coping skills.

Behavioral changes are essential to recovering from codependency. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be used to break negative reinforcement cycles and challenge negative thought patterns. Finding ways to take part in activities that are independent of the relationship, setting boundaries, and nurturing the self are all important steps for healing. Additionally, it can be beneficial to focus on developing self-confidence, self-care, and self-validation using tools such as meditation, yoga, and journaling.

• Develop self-awareness by acknowledging unhealthy patterns of behavior
• Change thought patterns and develop healthier coping skills
• Focus on behavioral changes using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Set boundaries, nurture the self, and focus on developing self-confidence
• Practice meditation, yoga, and journaling as tools for healing

Support Groups for Co-Dependency

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Support groups offer a valuable resource for those looking to recover from co-dependency. These often free or low-cost groups provide a safe and supportive environment to express feelings and learn how to overcome co-dependency without shame. It may not be immediately easy for co-dependent individuals to become vocal and going to a support group can help aid this process.

Attendees of support groups learn about interpersonal boundaries and how to navigate through them. There is also a strong emphasis on self-care and developing healthy coping skills to replace self-destructive behaviors. Group members are able to learn from the shared experiences in the group and develop an understanding of how to maintain a healthy sense of self. There is no greater asset to recovery than the support of peers going through similar circumstances. Support groups for co-dependency are a powerful tool to experience understanding and healing.
• A support group provides a safe and supportive environment to express feelings without shame.
• Attendees learn about interpersonal boundaries and healthy coping skills to replace self-destructive behaviors.
• Group members can develop an understanding of how to maintain a healthy sense of self from shared experiences.
• Support groups are a powerful tool for understanding and healing through the support of peers going through similar circumstances.

The Role of Professional Help in Co-Dependency Recovery

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Professional help can be very beneficial in aiding recovery from co-dependency. Treatment from a qualified professional such as a therapist or counselor can help provide insight into how to modify one’s behavior and relationship patterns. This assistance can be one of the most successful ways to identify the underlying causes that lead to their unhealthy behavior, and how to construct a new healthier approach.

Professional help can also assist in developing recovery strategies that allow for a greater understanding of how to cope with stress and life events. This type of help can be used to create goals and plans to help with the often difficult process of breaking away from a codependent relationship. Through the use of evidence-based treatment and supportive guidance, a professional can help co-dependents identify the triggers and feelings associated with their codependency and create effective strategies for coping.
• Professional help can provide insight into how to modify behavior and relationship patterns.
• It can also assist in developing recovery strategies that allow for a greater understanding of how to cope with stress and life events.
• A professional can help co-dependents identify the triggers and feelings associated with their codependency, as well as create effective strategies for coping.
• Evidence-based treatment and supportive guidance are key components of successful professional help in aiding co-dependency recovery.

The Challenges of Overcoming Co-Dependency

Overcoming co-dependency can be an immense challenge and requires strong motivation and commitment. Developing the skills to foster healthy and balanced relationships is a process that takes time and effort. Many people find themselves struggling with negative thoughts and feelings related to their relationship patterns which can make it difficult to break destructive habits. Developing different styles of relating to others, overruling their self-doubts and overcoming feelings of shame is a journey that requires hard work.

It’s essential to find a network of support to lean on during the process of overcoming co-dependency. Consulting a mental health professional, joining a support group, or relying on close relationships can provide valuable guidance and encouragement during times of difficulty. In order to establish a sustainable pattern of healthy relationships, a co-dependent person must learn to identify and express their needs, both to themselves and to their partner, and to embrace their worthiness for love and affection.

• Developing the skills to foster healthy and balanced relationships is a process that takes time and effort.
• It’s essential to find a network of support to lean on during the process of overcoming co-dependency.
• Identifying and expressing their needs, both to themselves and to their partner, as well as embracing their worthiness for love and affection are key steps in establishing sustainable patterns of healthy relationships.

Long-Term Solutions for Co-Dependency Recovery

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Long-term solutions for co-dependency recovery require the individual to identify learned behaviours and how to make changes. Developing a healthy sense of self-worth and learning to be emotionally independent are essential components of recovery. Counselling and therapy are great options to assist with this process. It is important to have open and honest conversations with the person’s therapist and to practice different coping strategies.

Another key to long-term recovery is peer support, such as support groups. These groups offer a safe, supportive environment with which to interact with other people who have similar experiences. Sharing with and learning from other individuals can provide strength and comfort during this challenging journey. Additionally, setting personal goals, such as learning a new hobby, practising self-care, engaging in physical activity, or taking time to relax can provide a sense of accomplishment and purposeful living.

• Identifying learned behaviours and how to make changes
• Developing a healthy sense of self-worth and emotional independence
• Utilizing counselling or therapy
• Seeking peer support from support groups
• Setting personal goals for accomplishment and purposeful living.

What is the definition of Co-Dependency?

Co-dependency is a type of dysfunctional helping relationship where one person supports or enables another person’s addiction, poor mental health, immaturity, irresponsibility, or under-achievement. It is a pattern of behavior in which one person in a relationship continues to make sacrifices for the other at their own expense.

What are some examples of Co-Dependency?

Examples of co-dependent relationships include a parent taking care of a child’s responsibilities, a spouse enabling a partner’s addiction or enabling them to avoid responsibility, or a friend enabling another’s negative behavior.

How can you identify Signs and Symptoms of Co-Dependency?

Signs and symptoms of co-dependency include: difficulty making decisions, obsessing over what others think, feeling the need to take care of others, difficulty expressing feelings, difficulty setting boundaries, difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty initiating projects, and fear of abandonment.

What are the Causes of Co-Dependency?

Causes of co-dependency can include a history of trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, or growing up in a family that models or encourages codependent behavior.

How does Co-Dependency Impact people?

Co-dependency can lead to unhealthy patterns of behavior, such as low self-esteem, difficulty with intimacy, difficulty with communication, and difficulty with trust. It can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or disordered eating.

What strategies can be used to Recover from Co-Dependency?

Strategies for recovery from co-dependency include learning how to set boundaries, developing healthy communication skills, increasing self-awareness, learning to express feelings, learning to celebrate successes, and seeking professional help.

Are there Support Groups available for Co-Dependency?

Yes, there are a number of support groups available for co-dependency recovery. These groups provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their experiences and receive support from peers.

What role does Professional Help play in Co-Dependency Recovery?

Professional help such as therapy or counseling can be an important part of recovery from co-dependency. A qualified professional can help an individual identify and address patterns of behavior, learn coping skills, and develop healthier relationships.

What are some of the Challenges of Overcoming Co-Dependency?

The challenges of overcoming co-dependency can include learning how to let go of control, learning to trust, and navigating relationships in a new way. It also can involve addressing underlying issues such as past trauma.

What are some Long-Term Solutions for Co-Dependency Recovery?

Long-term solutions for co-dependency recovery include learning to identify and communicate feelings in a healthy way, developing healthy boundaries, setting goals and working to achieve them, and seeking out meaningful relationships. Additionally, ongoing support from peers and professionals can be a key part of long-term recovery.