Codependency has had a powerful effect on my life. I’m not condependent. I might be said to be the opposite. But, I’ve observed this up-close. I haven’t really had any other choice. And, it’s, quite frankly, sick and disturbing.
Sometimes you tell the truth and it doesn’t sound nice. Well, sometimes the truth just isn’t nice. What are you supposed to do? Start lying…that’s not my style.
So, codependency, as you’ll see below, is a “complex and often discussed psychological concept that involves dysfunctional patterns of behavior in relationships.” You can look at the citations. I’m not making anything up. Codependency is disturbingly real. Believe me. I’ve suffered because of other’s codependent dysfunction. This website is called PAIN BAD. And, it has indeed been a painful reality dealing with these sick people.
Codependency is a complex and often discussed psychological concept that involves dysfunctional patterns of behavior in relationships. While it’s not a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is a recognized phenomenon in the field of psychology and has been extensively discussed in various sources. Here, I’ll provide an overview of codependency along with citations from reputable sources:
Codependency Defined:
Codependency refers to a relationship dynamic where one person (the codependent) excessively relies on another person (often a partner or family member) for their emotional well-being, often to the detriment of both individuals involved. This concept is often associated with enabling, boundary issues, and emotional dependency.
Citations:
Beattie, M. (1987). Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. Hazelden Publishing. – This influential book by Melody Beattie is considered a seminal work on codependency and offers insights into its characteristics and recovery.
Pia Mellody, J. (2003). Facing Codependence: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives. HarperOne. – Pia Mellody is a renowned therapist who delves into the origins and effects of codependency in this book.
Mental Health America. (n.d.). Co-Dependency. [Website]. https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/co-dependency – Mental Health America provides information on codependency, including its signs and symptoms.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2017). Understanding the Impact of Trauma. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4884.pdf – This SAMHSA resource discusses how trauma can be a contributing factor to codependency.
Codependency is a psychological concept that refers to a dysfunctional pattern of behavior in which one person in a relationship excessively relies on the other person for their emotional needs, often to the detriment of both individuals. This term is not typically found in academic literature, but it is widely used in self-help and popular psychology books.
Codependent individuals often exhibit behaviors such as:
- Excessive Caretaking: They may go to great lengths to meet the needs of their partner, often at the expense of their own well-being.
- Low Self-Esteem: Codependent individuals often have a poor sense of self-worth and may derive their self-esteem from taking care of others.
- Difficulty Setting Boundaries: They may struggle to establish healthy boundaries in their relationships, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or controlled.
- Denial: Codependent individuals may deny or downplay problems in the relationship or the other person’s behavior, even when it is harmful.
- Enabling: They might enable destructive behaviors in their partner, such as addiction, by not holding them accountable for their actions.
- Fear of Abandonment: There is often an intense fear of being abandoned or rejected by their partner, which can drive their codependent behaviors.
It’s essential to note that codependency is not a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is used by mental health professionals for diagnosis. However, it is a recognized and studied phenomenon in the field of psychology and is often associated with dysfunctional or unhealthy relationships.
If you’re interested in learning more about codependency, you can explore self-help books and articles written on the subject. Just remember to critically evaluate the sources and consider seeking guidance from a qualified mental health professional if you believe you may be in a codependent relationship or struggling with codependency yourself.