What Are the Signs of a Codependent Person?

Definition of Codependent Person

Codependent vs. Dependent: What Is the Difference?

Common Characteristics of a Codependent Person

Codependent people generally display one or more common characteristics of a codependent person. The following sections will explore each of these characteristics.

People Pleasing

Lack of Boundaries

Issues with boundaries and intimacy are common characteristics of a codependent person. Codependent individuals with people-pleasing tendencies usually have difficulty setting and keeping healthy boundaries.

Poor Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is another characteristic of codependency. Codependent individuals usually aren’t comfortable in their skin and seek external validation. Due to poor self-esteem, many codependent relationships include addiction issues such as drugs, alcohol, or gambling.

Caretaking

In most cases, codependent individuals have good intentions. For example, a parent may try to make excuses for their child’s behavior to shield them from uncomfortable consequences. Another example could be an individual helping their partner hide their addiction to avoid negative consequences. Although caretaking usually begins with good intentions, in codependent relationships, it becomes a destructive cycle that is difficult to break free from.

Reactivity

Reactivity, a need to control others, fear of abandonment, and chronic anger are characteristics of a codependent person.

Poor Communication

Poor communication skills, lying, dishonesty, and difficulties identifying feelings can all be signs of a codependent person.

Lack of Self-Image

Lack of self-image and low self-esteem are common when it comes to codependency. A codependent person finds their self-worth externally from being needed.

Dependency

An unhealthy level of dependency can also be a trait of a codependent person. A codependent person will do virtually anything to avoid abandonment and maintain their codependent relationship.

Relationship Stress

Codependent people find satisfaction in rescuing others and being needed. The satisfaction from caretaking will eventually begin to feel like an obligation. Then, codependent individuals often identify as victims and suffer from a great deal of emotional stress due to the people they bring into their lives.

Damaging Parental Relationships

Living With a Family Member Who Has a Mental or Physical Disorder

Abusive Families

How to Set Boundaries with a Codependent Person?

One of the main characteristics of codependent persons is an inability to maintain healthy boundaries. For that reason, it is vital to establish and maintain strict boundaries with codependent individuals. Although it may be challenging, this may include learning to say no to your codependent loved one.

Family Support

Family support can be a useful tool when helping a person displaying signs of codependent relationships. Family support is most beneficial when it is loving but not enabling.

Individual or Group Therapy for a Codependent Person

Codependency treatment can include education, group therapy, and individual counseling. The goal of therapy is to help codependent individuals become comfortable experiencing their feelings while addressing self-defeating behavioral patterns.

Seek Treatment for Codependency at Anew Treatment Center

Anew Treatment Center provides residential and outpatient treatment programs for many behavioral health conditions, including addiction and codependency. Inclusion and unconditional positive regard are the pillars of treatment at Anew Treatment Center. Our top priority is providing individuals with the necessary skills and techniques to establish and maintain mental wellness, which often means equipping them with the expertise to navigate the challenges of interpersonal connections.

Contact the friendly concierge team today to learn more about the program and its services. We look forward to helping you or your loved one regain autonomy over your lives and relationships.

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