When the term codependancy is used we all have our own unique view or interpetation. It is such a broad dysfunction that is extremly hard to define in conscience terms. It is a dysfunctional relationship with the self.
I normally write here a summary of what I have learned while researching a topic. I was visably moved researching this topic.. I knew that I would intertwine my emotions and views tackeling this project. I decided to copy and paste information from MHA (Mental Health America). The following is from the website:
I normally write here a summary of what I have learned while researching a topic. I was visably moved researching this topic.. I knew that I would intertwine my emotions and views tackeling this project. I decided to copy and paste information from MHA (Mental Health America). The following is from the website:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/codependency
(I strongly advise visiting their website)
"Co-dependents have low self-esteem and look for anything outside of
themselves to make them feel better. They find it hard to “be themselves.” Some
try to feel better through alcohol, drugs or nicotine - and become addicted.
Others may develop compulsive behaviors like workaholism, gambling, or
indiscriminate sexual activity.
They have good intentions. They try to take care of a person who is
experiencing difficulty, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating.
Co-dependents often take on a martyr’s role and become “benefactors” to an
individual in need. A wife may cover for her alcoholic husband; a mother may
make excuses for a truant child; or a father may “pull some strings” to keep his
child from suffering the consequences of delinquent behavior.
The problem is that these repeated rescue attempts allow the needy individual to continue on a destructive course and to become even more dependent on the unhealthy caretaking of the “benefactor.” As this reliance increases, the co-dependent develops a sense of reward and satisfaction from “being needed.” When the caretaking becomes compulsive, the co-dependent feels choiceless and helpless in the relationship, but is unable to break away from the cycle of behavior that causes it. Co-dependents view themselves as victims and are attracted to that same weakness in the love and friendship relationships.
Because co-dependency is usually rooted in a person’s childhood, treatment often involves exploration into early childhood issues and their relationship to current destructive behavior patterns. Treatment includes education, experiential groups, and individual and group therapy through which co-dependents rediscover themselves and identify self-defeating behavior patterns. Treatment also focuses on helping patients getting in touch with feelings that have been buried during childhood and on reconstructing family dynamics. The goal is to allow them to experience their full range of feelings again."
(I strongly advise visiting their website)
"Co-dependents have low self-esteem and look for anything outside of
themselves to make them feel better. They find it hard to “be themselves.” Some
try to feel better through alcohol, drugs or nicotine - and become addicted.
Others may develop compulsive behaviors like workaholism, gambling, or
indiscriminate sexual activity.
They have good intentions. They try to take care of a person who is
experiencing difficulty, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating.
Co-dependents often take on a martyr’s role and become “benefactors” to an
individual in need. A wife may cover for her alcoholic husband; a mother may
make excuses for a truant child; or a father may “pull some strings” to keep his
child from suffering the consequences of delinquent behavior.
The problem is that these repeated rescue attempts allow the needy individual to continue on a destructive course and to become even more dependent on the unhealthy caretaking of the “benefactor.” As this reliance increases, the co-dependent develops a sense of reward and satisfaction from “being needed.” When the caretaking becomes compulsive, the co-dependent feels choiceless and helpless in the relationship, but is unable to break away from the cycle of behavior that causes it. Co-dependents view themselves as victims and are attracted to that same weakness in the love and friendship relationships.
Because co-dependency is usually rooted in a person’s childhood, treatment often involves exploration into early childhood issues and their relationship to current destructive behavior patterns. Treatment includes education, experiential groups, and individual and group therapy through which co-dependents rediscover themselves and identify self-defeating behavior patterns. Treatment also focuses on helping patients getting in touch with feelings that have been buried during childhood and on reconstructing family dynamics. The goal is to allow them to experience their full range of feelings again."