Co-dependency
is a learned behavior that often can be passed down from one generation to
another.
It is an
emotional and behavioral condition that affects a person’s ability to have a
healthy and mutually satisfying relationship.
Co-dependency
was first described and termed regarding people being in chemical dependency patterns and those
who aided their addictions.
Today it is
observed in individuals who are in relationships with chronically or mentally
ill individuals as well as any co-dependent person from any type of a dysfunctional
relationship.
Individuals
who are co-dependent have low self-esteem and tend to look for anything outside
of themselves to make them feel better. They progressively develop a sense of
reward and satisfaction from “being needed.”
When the
caretaking becomes compulsive of the Co-dependent person, they can feel as if they have no
other choice but to help and they are unable to break away from the cycle of dysfunctional
behavior.
Individuals who are Co-dependents look at themselves
as the victims and are attracted to that same type of weakness and dysfunction in
love and friendship relationships.
Some
Characteristics of Co-dependent People Are:
They have an
exaggerated sense of responsibility for the actions of others.
The can
confuse love and pity, with the tendency to “love” people they can pity and
rescue.
They feel
hurt when people don’t recognize their efforts.
They have an
unhealthy dependence on relationships.
The co-dependent will do just about anything
to hold on to a relationship so that they avoid feeling abandoned.
They have an
extreme need for approval and recognition.
They do not
trust other people.
They have
problems identifying their feelings.
They have
problems with change, intimacy, and boundaries.
They have
anger issues and are often dishonest and indecisive.
If you or someone that you know demonstrates co-dependent behaviors, there is help. Counseling can help.
Reference-
Mental Health America
1 Corinthians 10:13: “You
are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can
be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how
to escape from your temptations.”
By Diane
Gammon MS
Clinical Mental
Health Counselor
Now Open Full-Time……
Week Days, Evenings,
and Saturdays
Living With Hope Counseling
