Live Q&A Adult Children of Alcoholic Parents cPTSD and Abandonment Anxiety
youtu.be
Codependency is a psychological condition characterized by an unhealthy dependence on others for one's safety and well-being. It is often seen in children who rely on their caregivers for their needs, but in healthy adult relationships, interdependence is preferred. Codependent individuals feel incomplete without someone who depends on them and become obsessed with controlling the behavior of the other person. They struggle to set boundaries and spend excessive time trying to change the dysfunctional other person, neglecting other aspects of life.
Codependency can be compared to addiction as it helps individuals escape the fear of being alone or out of control. It can manifest in various relationships, not just romantic ones. Codependent individuals often engage in rescuing or caretaking behaviors, sacrificing their own interests and well-being. They may prioritize the needs of others over their own, leading to burnout and neglecting other aspects of life.
Codependency is different from caretaking or interdependence, as caretakers respect boundaries and do not excessively control others. Codependent individuals attach their self-worth to the success or failure of others and struggle to let others experience the consequences of their actions.
Codependency is often rooted in adverse childhood experiences, such as having caregivers with mental illness or addiction who were emotionally or physically unavailable. Dysfunctional others can trigger the codependent person's inner child trauma, leading to a need for control and fixing everything to feel safe.
Growing up in environments with absent or neglectful caregivers can result in emotional dysregulation and an overactive stress response system. Codependent individuals may develop a fear of abandonment and try to control others to feel safe. However, this logic is flawed, as the person they depend on is often not dependable, similar to their caregivers in childhood.
The upcoming videos will further explore the characteristics and behaviors associated with codependency.
Codependency is a psychological condition characterized by an unhealthy dependence on others for one