We have another test and article on mental health for you. Today’s topic is codependency. Do you know what this term means and what are its symptoms? Or do you suspect that codependency is present in your relationship? You will be able to research this topic thoroughly and learn all about being a codependent and take our Am I Codependent Quiz free!
Do you want other quizzes about mental disorders? Also take Trust Issues Test or Daddy Issues.
What is codependency? Codependency is the term for an unhealthy dynamic in a relationship between two people. These are usually romantic relationships and often involve the illness or addiction of one of the partners. There is not always an addiction in a codependent relationship, but very often such a relationship is shaped precisely by an addiction or other illness.
In a codependent relationship, one person is more important than the other, their needs are prioritized. The other person, on the other hand, submits to the partner and will do anything to sustain the relationship. Today we will focus specifically on the co-dependent person, outline what such a person struggles with and what may have contributed to it. So what are the signs that I am a codependent in my relationship? If you want to see if the symptoms apply to you, take our Am I Codependent Quiz.
A person who is a codependent thinks, feels and acts according to certain patterns and habits that were initially meant to protect, but negatively affect life and relationship satisfaction. We present a list of symptoms and signs that may indicate codependency. Familiarize yourself with these and consider whether any apply to you, and finally take Am I Codependent Quiz to be sure.
Codependency symptoms:
These signs may indicate that you’re a codependent, but that’s not all. Codependency affects many aspects of life and causes various problems. Take our Am I Codependent Quiz and you’ll find out if you manifest most of the symptoms of codependency.
What does a relationship in which codependency is present look like? It is an unequal share of commitment, give and take. One person gives much more of themselves than the other. This is usually due to a specific situation that may force the partner to make such a sacrifice.
This happens with addictions to alcohol, drugs and other substances. Then the partner has to care more about the addict, forgives the addict more and tries to help him or her with all his or her might, resulting in neglecting his or her own needs.
Are you wondering if your relationship is right for you? Take the Am I Happy In My Relationship Test or Should I Break Up With My Boyfriend?
The same happens in the case of a serious illness that results in one person taking care of the other. It is possible to create a healthy relationship in a situation of illness, but one should just beware of the risk of codependency, which is high, especially if the person has already exhibited conformist behavior, had problems defining his needs and people pleasing.
Life situations vary and sometimes require that in a relationship one person should care for the other more. This happens even in the case of various mental disorders. However, you should always keep your own needs in mind and take care of yourself first and foremost.
Sometimes it happens that people who are codependent do not want to get out of their situation at all and feel comfortable with it. Some people see nothing wrong with sacrificing themselves for a loved one, they believe that these are normal characteristics of a good person.
But in fact, they usually don’t see the whole problem and don’t realize the consequences of staying in a codependent relationship. Not changing and not admitting that there is a problem is easier for us than actually fighting the problem. Remember that being a codependent will actually bring more problems than benefits to both you and your partner.
Codependents can become the toxic ones in the relationship, unable to live their own lives that don’t include their partner. Separation from your partner even for a short time can cause anxiety and depression. It is better to work on how to be independent and not a codependent. So take our Am I Codependent Quiz and finf out if you should work on it.
Codependency like any other mental problems can be fixed and learned how to deal with it. It can be a difficult and long road to mental improvement, but it is always worth it. Codependents need to focus on a few important aspects, which we will outline and describe in detail. Once you have taken our test and found out that you are a codependent, you can always come back here for useful advice.
Take the Abandonment Issues Test or Obssesive Love Quiz if you want to learn more about yourself.
First of all, it is important to work on self-esteem. Codependents often consider themselves inferior, have problems with self-acceptance and don’t feel good about themselves. The first step to overcoming any disorder is always to increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
It is very important that we learn to love ourselves, because with ourselves we will definitely be with ourselves for the rest of our lives, so we need to start valuing ourselves. Increasing self-esteem influences people to become more aware of their needs and to take greater care of themselves, which is important in codependents. It is worth looking for ways to increase self-esteem. You can start by writing out your qualities.
Codependents must first of all become aware of their needs and take care of them. They must learn that their needs always come first, that sacrificing themselves for others is not a requirement for being a good person. Some need to work on how to spend time alone.
It is then worthwhile to find a hobby and devote time to it. It is also good to spend time only in one’s own company, such as going for walks by oneself, taking oneself to restaurants or other places of interest, such as the cinema or a museum. People who are able to enjoy life alone are the happiest people, who are also able to form a lasting and healthy relationship.
This is also a very important aspect of therapy for a codependent person. Such a person, once he realizes his needs, must be able to take care of them. Setting boundaries is a very important skill, especially in a romantic relationship. Lack of boundary-setting skills can cause many problems and lead to abuse and violence.
It is very important to learn how to stand up to the other person. Usually hurting someone’s feelings is more important than defending oneself for the co-dependent person. But remember that you have the right to say no even to the person you love most in the world, and that person should always accept it.
Now you can take our Am I Codependent test that will examine whether you are codependent. We take into account many aspects that indicate codependency, even in relationships where there is no addiction or disease. If you are a people pleaser and suspect codependency in yourself, take our Am I Codependent Quiz! Maybe we should also make Am I Codependent or Borderline Quiz?
