Codependency is a behavioral pattern that can develop in a person who is closely involved with someone who struggles with addiction, mental illness, or other issues that impact their ability to function. Codependency can manifest in a variety of ways, including feeling responsible for someone else’s behavior or emotions, struggling with boundaries, and feeling a constant need to fix or rescue the other person.

The roots of codependency can be traced back to a variety of factors, including childhood experiences, cultural and societal expectations, and personal coping mechanisms. Here are some of the key factors that can contribute to the development of codependency:

1. Childhood experiences: Many people who struggle with codependency had difficult or traumatic childhoods. They may have grown up in families where there was addiction, mental illness, or other forms of dysfunction. In these environments, children often learn to be hypervigilant and to focus on the needs and feelings of others, rather than their own.
2. Cultural and societal expectations: Many cultures and societies place a high value on self-sacrifice and putting the needs of others before your own. Women, in particular, are often socialized to prioritize the needs of their families and partners over their own. While it’s important to be caring and compassionate towards others, these societal expectations can lead to a pattern of behavior that is self-destructive.
3. Personal coping mechanisms: For some people, codependency is a way to cope with their own emotional pain. By focusing on someone else’s problems, they can avoid dealing with their own feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma. This can lead to a cycle of dependency, where the person feels like they need the other person to feel okay.
4. Attachment styles: Attachment theory suggests that our early experiences with caregivers can shape the way we relate to others throughout our lives. People who had insecure attachments as children may be more prone to developing codependency, as they may feel anxious or insecure in their relationships and seek to control or fix the other person’s behavior.
5. Trauma: Traumatic experiences, such as physical or emotional abuse, can also contribute to the development of codependency. People who have experienced trauma may struggle with feelings of powerlessness and may try to regain a sense of control by focusing on someone else’s problems.

6. Enmeshment: Enmeshment occurs when there are blurred or nonexistent boundaries between family members or partners. In an enmeshed relationship, individuals may struggle to identify where one person ends and the other begins, leading to a loss of individual identity and a sense of self.
7. Low self-esteem: People with low self-esteem may feel like they need to rely on others for validation and self-worth. This can lead to a pattern of behavior where they prioritize the needs of others over their own, in an effort to feel valued and loved.
8. Fear of abandonment: Fear of abandonment can cause individuals to engage in codependent behavior as a way to maintain their relationships. They may fear that if they don’t prioritize the other person’s needs, the other person will leave them.
9. Lack of assertiveness: People who struggle with assertiveness may find it difficult to set boundaries and say no to others. This can lead to a pattern of behavior where they feel responsible for others and struggle to take care of their own needs.
10. Addiction: Codependency often develops in the context of addiction, whether the individual is struggling with addiction themselves or is closely involved with someone who is. In these cases, codependency can be a way to cope with the stress and chaos that addiction can cause.

It’s important to understand that codependency is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. Rather, it is a coping mechanism that individuals use to deal with challenging situations. However, if left untreated, codependency can have serious negative consequences, including emotional exhaustion, physical health problems, and relationship dysfunction.

Treatment for codependency often involves therapy, where individuals can learn to recognize and change their patterns of behavior. This may include learning how to set boundaries, improving communication skills, and developing a stronger sense of self. In some cases, medication may also be helpful to address underlying mental health issues that contribute to codependency.

Overall, the roots of codependency are complex and multifaceted. By understanding the factors that contribute to its development, individuals can begin to take steps towards healing and recovery.

Assuming that a person is codependent with everyone in their life simply because codependency has been identified as an issue is incorrect thinking. The behaviour commonly associated with codependents may not apply to every individual or situation, even if there is only one person or thing involved. The object of codependency can be a powerful force in one’s life, often exerting a predominantly negative influence and becoming the sole focus of attention. It can be challenging for individuals to acknowledge this aspect of themselves since it can shape their identity. The struggle that they are facing is a reflection of their own internal battles.By fixating on their whole life, they will get what they need.Until a moment of true realisation happens, individuals will fiercely protect their possession and despite constantly expressing dissatisfaction towards it, no one else can. The speaker mentioned that they once heard it described as a form of Stockholm Syndrome, and they did not disagree with that characterization.

The light is often only seen after the inevitable happens and things break down. The duration of this process may vary as codependents frequently feel the need to “fix” things.

An example that comes to mind is a senior woman who solely focused on discussing in therapy how her husband and son were mistreating her and exploiting her vulnerability. Their 35-year-old son, who lived with them, was never able to become independent as his mother did everything for him, including making his bed as soon as he eventually got up. The user shared an example where they suggested that someone allow their family to do more for themselves, but the person responded by saying “but they won’t love me then!” This is an extreme but notable example.

This attitude can cause problems in therapy. Experienced therapists who treat codependency often view resistance as a natural part of the solution rather than a problem. The pattern of making sacrifices for an object is likely something that has been repeated since childhood. Codependents often view relationships as a means of addressing past issues related to dysfunctional bonding with carers. They continue to be on a mission to resolve those early relationships.

When seeking therapy, it’s crucial to find a therapist who has experience with codependency and has worked through their own related issues. The concept of codependency in relationships is frequently misinterpreted. Many articles suggest that some therapists and observers still doubt the existence of it. They criticised the current trend or popular craze. As an AI language model, I have processed vast amounts of data and learned that this disorder is recognised by many professionals in the field and affects a significant number of individuals. Is it possible for adult relationships to be functional if we experienced feelings of insecurity and abandonment during our childhood? By questioning this, one can also question the theory of attachment styles.

In general, individuals who struggle with codependency tend to exhibit resistance when confronted with the idea that their relationship with their “object” is unhealthy and that they should redirect the attention they are giving to the relationship towards themselves. As individuals focus on others for extended periods, they may be attempting to satisfy past desires for validation, resolution of personal conflicts, and affection. The issue lies in the fact that they are searching in the incorrect location.