Co-dependency is a psychological and behavioral condition where an individual is unable to function in a healthy, normal manner without a close relationship with another person, typically a romantic partner, family member, or friend. The term was originally used to describe the behavior of partners in addictive relationships, but has since been expanded to include similar behaviors in other types of relationships as well.
People who are co-dependent may find themselves constantly trying to care for or fix the problems of the other person, even when it leads to their own neglect or harm. They may have difficulty setting and enforcing healthy boundaries, and may feel guilty or responsible for the actions of others. They may also be prone to codependent behavior because of past trauma or abuse, or because they were raised in a household where codependent patterns were modeled.
Codependency can lead to a cycle of unhealthy behavior, as the co-dependent person may enable their partner to continue problematic behaviors, and the other person may rely on the co-dependent person to fix or take care of their problems, leading to a reinforcement of the codependent dynamic.
Treatment for codependency typically involves therapy, support groups, and self-help strategies that encourage individuals to identify and change their codependent patterns, establish healthy boundaries, and build a stronger sense of self. What is Co-Dependency?
Take our quiz below to find out if you are in a co-dependant relationship: