Codependency is often exhibited by people who have a loved one with an alcohol or drug abuse problem. They may feel as though they need to take care of their loved ones and make sure they are okay. This can result in them ignoring their own needs and feelings and enabling those with alcohol or drug abuse.
In this type of behavior, you find yourself excessively dependent on others for approval to meet your own self-worth needs. Someone who is codependent is not able to function from their own inner guidance and looks outside of themselves for all of their answers. Growing up in a family where your emotional needs were not met may have led you to learn how to take care of yourself emotionally. This may have been by taking care of others and being who they wanted you to be. You never developed a sense of self, and now you don’t know who you are or what you want.
How Do You Know If You’re Codependent?
If you’re codependent, you allow others to use you emotionally. You might stay in a dysfunctional relationship because you feel like you have to care for the other person. Taking care of yourself emotionally is the key to overcoming codependency. It means setting boundaries and creating a strong sense of self. Or you might have trouble setting boundaries because you don’t want to hurt people’s feelings. The first step to overcoming codependency is to take care of yourself. Knowing who you are and what you want makes it easier to say no to people who try to take advantage of you.
Here are some common signs and symbols of codependency:
- You have a hard time saying “no” when people ask for your help, even if you don’t want to help them.
- You feel responsible for others’ feelings and problems. • You are attracted to needy or abusive partners.
- Your self-esteem is determined by how well you treat others.
- You have difficulty expressing your own needs and feelings.
- You do more than your fair share in relationships.
- You keep hoping that if you just try harder, things will finally turn out the way you want them to.
Overcome Codependency by Getting in Touch With Your Feelings
The people we spend time with can have a big impact on how we think about ourselves. If we’re constantly around people who drain our energy and make us feel terrible, it’s going to be tough to be positive about ourselves. We will be more confident and happier, on the other hand, if we spend time with people who make us feel comfortable.
When we’re around different people, it’s worth paying attention to how we feel. Do certain people make us feel energized, or do they drain us? The answer can help us decide who we want to spend more time with.
Overcome Codependency by Developing a Support System
Codependent relationships can be difficult to break free from because they often involve close family members or romantic partners. It is critical to developing a support system of people who will help you build a stronger sense of self, whether they are family members, friends, or therapists. It may be necessary for you to distance yourself from toxic relationships until you feel more confident.
It will be much easier for you to set boundaries with other people if you surround yourself with people who make you feel confident about your own abilities.
Overcome Codependency by Practicing Self-Care
Self-care is one way to overcome codependency. Schedule time for activities that make you happy and reduce stress, such as exercise, yoga, meditation, journaling, and other healthy practices. Stress can also be reduced by eating healthy food and getting enough sleep.
If you find yourself in a codependent relationship, try setting boundaries with the other person. Explain what you want and what you’re willing to do in the relationship. If the other person doesn’t meet your needs, then it might be time to end the relationship. Having a healthy, supportive relationship where both people feel valued is extremely significant to you.
There are many resources available to help you better understand codependency and begin making changes in your life. Our counselors are available to help you at 844-639-8371 for emotional healing.