Codependence 101

Some of the symptoms of Codependency include:  

Codependency / is an issue of over-investment into someone or something.  It is a relationship in which we stay too long while giving away too much of ourselves and our resources all in an attempt to control, rescue, or change someone or something [www.hollikenley.com]

Approval seeking, or people pleasing.
Fear of being alone or abandoned or disapproved of.
Feeling selfish, or guilty for not meeting the needs of others.
Abandoning your desires in favor of other’s desires.
Feeling not good enough, or "too much" or "too little."
Irritable when others don't take your advice.
Taking everything personally, being uncomfortable with differences.
Diminishing or shrinking yourself in order to lift up others.
Being everyone's "go to" person in a crises but not otherwise.
Getting caught in others' trauma and drama rather than living your life.
Perpetually rescuing or fixing others, to your demise.
Giving ultimatums, or nagging to keep others out of trouble.
Covering or taking a fall for others – acting as a human buffer.
Enduring unhealthy relationships to avoid loneliness or fear.
Giving away your finances and other resources to depletion.
Having an addict, user, abuser, or narcissist who takes your life hostage.
Having self-limiting or self-sabotaging beliefs that hold you back.
Over-responsibility or doing way more than your fair share.

Handout by L. Mehnert LMFT