What Is Co-Dependency?

Many times, we know there’s something wrong in our lives; we just can’t identify exactly what it is. That’s the way it is with co-dependency. In this psychological article we will discuss the signs and symptoms of co-dependency.

It’s one of those psychological disorders that we hear a lot about but never even consider whether we might be afflicted with it. We don’t know what it is exactly and we don’t care because we’re certain that it’s not something we have to worry about.

It may surprise you to learn that millions of Americans suffer from co-dependency and don’t even know it. It’s actually easy to see how that could happen once you know a little about this. In this psychological article we will see why.

The first and most important reason for this is that co-dependency is a learned behavior that is passed down from one generation to the next. Since you saw this type of behavior on a regular basis in your own home, it doesn’t feel strange to you at all.

In this psychological article, it becomes clear that co-dependent people come from dysfunctional families. This is probably the second most important reason why a person can go for years with this psychological disorder and never realize it.

In a dysfunctional family, the family members have a tough time admitting that there’s anything wrong. They’re in denial. They don’t openly discuss problems or their feelings. They repress everything pretending that there’s nothing wrong.

Many times though, family members will be in such pain that they will turn to alcohol, drugs, sex or other additions in order to make themselves feel better.

This psychological article will present a few symptoms of co-dependency. Ask yourself honestly, if you or any member of your family displays these types of behavior:

1. Difficulty making decisions
2. You become hurt when people don’t recognize your efforts.
3. You feel responsible for everything all the time.
4. You make extreme efforts to hold onto a relationship because you have such a fear of abandonment.
5. You have no boundaries. You will allow anyone to do anything to you without complaining.
6. You feel guilty if you try to assert yourself.
7. You have an exaggerated need for the approval of others.
8. You’re angry a lot and may have a problem with lying or dishonesty.
9. You are drawn to people who are in trouble and need to be rescued.
10. You don’t trust anyone and have a problem allowing people to get close to you.

All psychological articles agree that Co-dependency is treatable. There are many great treatment programs out there.

Though there are a large number of self-help books on co-dependency, by its very nature, it’s a disease that you can live in denial about for many years. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek profession help. Psychological articles may be helpful but not a cure.

If you suffer from co-dependency then you likely haven’t let your hair down and been real with anyone for many years. All psychological articles agree that you need this type of relationship with a trained professional that you can build trust with.

Co-dependency is a disease where there’s a great deal of guilt and shame, but recognize that this is part of the illness. Refuse to let that stop you from seeking help. Studying psychological articles that confirm this can help move you forward into counseling.

You can be healthy. You can form normal, healthy relationships with people. You know you want to do that. You simply need a little push in the right direction.

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