Codependency: Are You In A Toxic Relationship With Yourself?
Many people are codependent with an estimated rate of 50% of the population, making codependency present in many countries. The higher the number of cultures a person comes from, the more likely he is to be codependent. Nevertheless, if early trauma or a dysfunctional relationship with an early caregiver plays a role in an individual’s life, these individuals might also struggle with issues like substance abuse and addiction, though they might not always struggle with those things.
Although codependency tends to affect men and women similarly, there are more women than men affected by it.
Codependency has its roots in childhood, when we are too reliant on our parents. As adults, we continue to put others’ needs before our own, which can prevent us from growing as individuals and having relationships of depth and true intimacy.
Here’s what you should know about codependency and why it’s important to seek therapy if you suspect that you might be codependent.
What is codependency
The term codependent is used to describe someone who is so focused on the needs of another person that they neglect their own needs, usually to the point of not having a healthy sense of self. Codependents often feel responsible for other people’s feelings and actions, often at their own expense. It can be hard for codependent people to set boundaries with others or themselves.
What is a Codependent Relationship?
A codependent relationship is one that is based on the need for emotional support, with one person acting as the caretaker and giving all their energy to the other. However, in this type of relationship the focus is more on what the other person needs rather than on oneself.
What are the symptoms of codependency?
A wide variety of behaviors can indicate that you’re codependent. Some examples include: – Never feeling good enough – Feeling guilty when you do something for yourself – Putting your own needs last – Caring more about other people than yourself
The more codependent you are, the higher your chances of developing an addiction or mental illness. If you feel like your life has become unmanageable and things aren’t improving, it’s time to consider seeking professional help. Others’ opinion of you is more important than your opinion of yourself. •You have a hard time accepting compliments because you believe they are not true. Your self-esteem relies on other people to validate it or approve of it.
How to start recovering from codependency?
Recovery from codependency starts with becoming aware of the problem. Recognizing when you are in a relationship with yourself that is not healthy and needs to change. It can be hard to see codependent tendencies without outside help, but it’s the first step in breaking free of the pattern. Once you have recognized your patterns and behaviors, start taking small steps away from them. Every day, make one choice that is independent from your self-destructive habits.
Therapy for codependency
The most effective therapy for codependency is psychotherapy. Therapy is aimed at understanding one’s behavior and adapting it to a better result. A number of effective interventions for codependency are cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: It is possible to change negative and codependent patterns of thought and belief by using cognitive behavioral therapy. It teaches codependents how to recognize their own problems and to separate them from the addict’s.
- Family Therapy: The use of family therapy can help interrupt dysfunctional and unhealthy patterns of interaction between people in codependent relationships and teach them new ways to cope. Codependent couples and intimate partners may benefit from couples therapy, which is more focused than family therapy.
- Group Therapy: The purpose of group therapy is to provide codependents with a safe and appropriate space in which to express themselves, learn problem-solving and communication skills, as well as connect with others who understand their situation.