A codependent person puts relationship goals above all things and this can be very toxic to the partner struggling with these issues. The other partner often contributes little to the relationship, encouraging codependent behaviour. This behaviour can be toxic to both partners and more toxic to the codependent partner.
What Does Being Codependent Mean?
Codependency is highly dependent on someone else, which results in a strong need for the companionship of another. This is just part of the definition of codependency.
Codependency can be an emotional or mental issue that manipulates the way people interact and mingle in an interpersonal relationship. This makes people uncomfortable with themselves. This problem causes low-esteem, which can lead people into a destructive, abusive and unfulfilling relationship. This type of relationship is mostly with a companion who has an addiction problem.
Symptoms of Codependency
There are a few signs of codependency in a relationship, which can further make it toxic for the codependent individual. Some of the symptoms include but are not limited to:
Fear of true expression – A codependent individual has difficulty voicing their true opinion to avoid upsetting or scaring away their partner. This can result in hidden emotions which can further result in serious health problems such as anxiety, depression, or more.
Neglecting personal needs – One of the most common traits of codependency is excessive care for the other partner while overlooking personal needs. A codependent person can go extreme to ensure the happiness of their partner, and sometimes at the expense of their own well-being.
Inability to be alone – Codependent people are usually scared to be by themselves. Always with the intention of caring for another being. This can further result in an unhealthy relationship with the wrong partner, resulting in further emotional distress or harm.
Refusing help from others – A classic codependent individual feels uncomfortable when others try to help them. They always place themselves in the position to be the caregiver or helper, making it uncomfortable when others try to help, especially for the fear of others being offended for being asked to help.
How does codependency negatively impact us and our relationships?
Most codependent people are reactionaries. They overreact to problems, pain, sorrow and behaviour caused by others. They deal with stress and other uncertainty of living by having such reactions.
This experience can cause an individual to face numerous troubles in any relationship they get involved in. For example, a codependent individual may become extremely upset if the love and care given are not reciprocated. This might lead to depression and other mental or emotional health issues.
This behaviour can lead an individual into an abusive or hurtful relationship, causing the person to lose track of their basic needs. The best way to fight this issue is to get adequate and recommended treatment in order to develop coping skills to tackle codependent tendencies. And also to encourage positive and healthy behaviour for a successful relationship.
For more information on couples counseling, anxiety and depression therapy or relationship counseling in Seattle and the Greater Seattle area, contact us at any time.
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