Codependency: A Dysfunctional Dance of Dependence

What is Codependency?

Codependency is a complex relationship dynamic in which one or both parties rely excessively on each other, often to the detriment of their own well-being. It arises when one person (the codependent) sacrifices their own needs and desires to tend to the perceived needs of another person (the dependent).

Characteristics of Codependency

Codependency manifests in a range of symptoms, including:

• Low self-esteem
• Excessive desire for approval
• Difficulty setting boundaries
• Compulsive caregiving
• Enabling or overlooking unhealthy behaviors

Consequences of Codependency

Codependency can have devastating consequences for both the codependent and the dependent, including:

• Damaged self-esteem
• Emotional exhaustion
• Relationship conflicts
• Substance abuse
• Mental health disorders