Co-dependency refers to the loss of self as well as helping behavior that leads to negative effects on both the family member and drug abuser. Family members affected by co-dependency may display symptoms of insomnia, depression, feeling of numbness, long-term stress as well as weakened immune system. Also they are more prone to develop illnesses such as asthma and cancer.
What is co-dependency? Symptoms include
There are means to alleviate symptoms of co-dependency, including:
To help determine your degree of people dependency check the following which apply most of the time (be honest):
(Translated from “Let’s Stand Up Straight”, Dr Bruce Litchfield with consent given by author)
Question | Answer |
---|---|
I have difficulty identifying or expressing my feelings | Yes / No |
I try to manage other people, or control their lives | Yes / No |
I have unrealistic expectations for myself and others | Yes / No |
I am concerned about what others think of me | Yes / No |
I feel responsible for the behaviour or feelings of others | Yes / No |
I need approval from someone to feel good about myself | Yes / No |
I don’t trust my own opinions or views | Yes / No |
I have lied in order to protect another person | Yes / No |
I need to take care of someone to feel useful | Yes / No |
I try to avoid conflict | Yes / No |
I experience pain or illness | Yes / No |
I feel powerless to change my life | Yes / No |
I have difficulty making decisions | Yes / No |
I have low self-esteem | Yes / No |
I involve myself in relationships that are not good for me | Yes / No |
I confuse my thoughts and feelings with those of another | Yes / No |
I try to read the mind of loved ones or analyse them | Yes / No |
I feel someone should be punished for letting me down | Yes / No |
I have tried without success to end an unhealthy relationship | Yes / No |
I must be strong, good or perfect to be accepted | Yes / No |
If you checked 0-5 times you are probably a well-rounded, happy person who can make choices about relationships.
If you checked 6-10 times you are preoccupied with another person, losing yourself in the relationship (mild dependency).
If you checked 11-15 times you have an unhealthy people dependency, focused on the problems or concerns of another Person to avoid your own feelings (Moderate dependency)
If you checked 16-20 times you are addicted to someone else who is an addict or compulsive (high dependency)
Do call for help from Caritas Lok Heep Club, if youe are afraid that you have Codepedency
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