How Can I Identify Codependent Relationships in My Life?

Codependency is common among people seeking treatment for a mental health condition. Breaking free from codependent relationships can be challenging, but it is possible. The first step is recognizing that you're in a codependent relationship. However, this can be tough to do. So, what is codependency? What is a codependent relationship? How can you identify whether or not you're in a codependent relationship? Answering these questions is critical to your mental health recovery and improving your interpersonal relationships. 

Many individuals struggling with anxiety, substance use disorder (SUD), and other mental health conditions may become vulnerable to codependent relationships. The best way to heal is to learn the warning signs, seek professional help, and take the necessary steps to improve your overall well-being. West Coast Recovery Centers can help you with this process. Contact us or visit our website to begin your healing journey today. 

Codependency, Addiction, and Mental Health

The term codependency describes when a person is emotionally reliant on another person. These individuals have unhealthy relationships because one consistently sacrifices needs for the needs of another. Others may not be in a codependent relationship but still exhibit codependent tendencies. 

Another word to describe a codependent relationship is one-sided. A person can develop SUD or other mental health conditions, or codependency may manifest from the condition. Oftentimes, people learn codependent behaviors from observations made during childhood or from feelings of abandonment. 

In any case, it's prudent to remain cautious about the connection between codependency and addiction and mental health. With therapy, treatment, and other professional help, people can break their cycles of codependency. It's not uncommon for complex emotions, such as shame or low self-esteem, to contribute to these tendencies. Working with a professional can help address these emotions and create positive life changes. 

What Are Codependent Relationships and Why Are They Unhealthy?

As mentioned, codependency describes a relationship where someone relies on another person, but let's assess this more deeply. People may associate a codependent relationship with clingy individuals, however, it's so much more than that. A codependent relationship becomes a toxic cycle for both parties. On one side of things, the person who needs their partner struggles with severely low self-esteem. Yet, the other constantly has their needs ignored, which only contributes to the unhealthy dynamics within the relationship. 

The individual having their needs met may not realize it, but lack of independence often leads to more issues with self-esteem and confidence. They begin looking for approval or assurance and struggle to function without it. The need for constant assurance is harmful, ultimately taking away autonomy over a person's life decisions. 

Additionally, there are other risks associated with codependent relationships. Along with the mental or emotional risks, there are also instances where emotional or physical abuse are also present. It’s not uncommon for individuals with severely low self-esteem and other mental health concerns to find themselves in a codependent relationship with a narcissist. Within this dynamic, it’s often the individual with low self-esteem who is constantly doing anything and everything to please or satisfy their narcissistic partner. 

Furthermore, codependent relationships don’t solely include romantic partnerships. Codependency can be found within friendships, parental relationships, and other interpersonal partnerships. Sometimes these relationships can be readied, but in other instances, they’re better off ending. Regardless, the first step to healing recognizing whether or not you’re in a codependent relationship. 

Recognizing the Signs of Codependent Relationships

As with anything else, the signs of a codependent relationship may look different from one relationship to the next. In any case, recognizing the signs and accepting your codependent tendencies is the first crucial step toward fixing or ending the relationship. Despite variations in these signs, here are some general signs you can be on the lookout for: 

• Difficulty being alone 
• Trouble making decisions 
• Experiencing anxiety when not in contact with your partner 
• Staying in a relationship despite emotional, mental, or physical abuse
• Feeling guilty about thinking of oneself and not expressing needs or desires 
• Constantly seeking out reassurance from a partner, parent, friend, or family member
• Noticing that your partner actively prevents you from seeking mental health treatment 
• Canceling plans with friends or family members to spend more time with your partner 
• Ignoring one’s moral, values, or personal beliefs to do things their partner wants 
• Recognizing harmful behaviors within yourself, such as abusing substances or thinking about harming yourself 

How to Stop Being Codependent

Being in the thick of a codependent relationship can be overwhelming. The good news is that help is available. Once you’ve identified the codependent relationships in your life by observing the signs listed above, you can seek help. It may take small steps at first, but before you know it, you’ll have walked a mile. Consider taking some of these small steps today: 

• Talk to a mental health professional 
• Find an activity you enjoy outside your relationship 
• Prioritize spending quality time with friends and family 
• Try new hobbies that you can pursue independently 
• Consider finding a support group to help you manage complex emotions that may arise 

Taking these steps will help improve your mental health, increase your self-esteem, and create healthy boundaries with relationships. The more you practice, the more you’ll become more comfortable taking care of yourself. 

Of course, if you’re also struggling with addiction, we encourage you to seek treatment. Consider working with us at West Coast Recovery Centers for your addiction treatment journey today. 

It's extremely common for individuals struggling with a mental health condition or substance use disorder (SUD) to exhibit codependent behaviors and tendencies. Oftentimes, these tendencies, and even the development of a mental health condition, come about because of past traumas and low self-esteem. The key to healing, reducing these behaviors, and seeking help for codependency is first and foremost being able to recognize whether or not you're in a codependent relationship. Signs will vary from person to person, but ultimately, acknowledging them and seeking professional help is a sure way to improve your relationship and your mental health simultaneously. For assistance with your codependency, mental health, or SUD recovery, call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.