A Beginner’s Guide to Codependency: How to Identify It and What You Can Do About It

In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at what codependency is, how you can identify it, and three ways to overcome it. We hope that by the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of codependency and be on your way to recovery.

What Is Codependency?

Codependency is a pattern of behavior in which someone develops an unhealthy level of control or reliance on a partner or relationship. This often manifests itself as one person consistently sacrificing their own needs in order to please or take care of the other person. Over time, this can lead to feelings of resentment, low self-esteem, and even anxiety and depression. If left unchecked, codependent relationships can be damaging—and even dangerous—for both parties involved.

How Can I Identify Codependency?

If you’re not sure whether or not you might be in a codependent relationship, here are some signs to look out for:

-You consistently put your partner’s needs above your own, even if it’s to your own detriment.

-You find yourself making excuses for your partner’s bad behavior.

-You feel like you need your partner in order to be happy or content.

-Your self-worth is based on how well you please or take care of your partner.

-You frequently feel taken for granted or unappreciated by your partner.

-You allow yourself to be manipulated or controlled by your partner.

-You have trouble communicating with or saying “no” to your partner.

-You stay in a relationship even if it’s unhealthy or feels unsafe.

If any of these sound familiar, then it’s possible that you might be in a codependent relationship. But don’t worry—there are things you can do about it!

3 Ways to Overcome Codependency

Here are three tips for overcoming codependency in your relationships:

1) Set boundaries with your partner. This means learning to say “no” when you need to and communicating your wants and needs clearly and assertively. This can be difficult if you’re used to putting your partner’s needs above your own, but it’s important to remember that healthy relationships are built on mutual respect—not one person constantly sacrificing themselves for the other.

2) Seek professional help. If you find yourself struggling to set boundaries or break free from a codependent relationship, it might be helpful to seek out counseling or therapy from a professional who can help you identify and change harmful patterns of behavior. Often, codependency is rooted in childhood trauma or past relationships, so working with a therapist can be an extremely effective way of addressing the issue at its source.

3) Invest time in hobbies and activities that make you happy outside of your relationship. This will help you rediscover who you are outside of your codependent relationship and give you a sense of self-worth that isn’t contingent on someone else. When you have hobbies and interests that make YOU happy, you won’t feel like you need someone else in order to feel complete—and that is an incredibly empowering feeling!

We hope that this post has given you some insight into what codependency is and how it manifests itself in relationships. If you think you might be in a codependent relationship, we encourage you to reach out for help—whether that means setting boundaries with your partner or seeking professional counseling from a therapist who can help address the issue at its root cause. Remember, there is no shame in getting help—in fact, it takes courage! You deserve to be in a healthy, supportive relationship where both parties feel valued and respected.

Blair P. Bisher :: blair@bpbcounseling.com :: Book a session here https://bpbcounseling.as.me/session