How to Spot Codependency Symptoms

The term codependency has been around for almost four decades. It originally applied to spouses of alcoholics, first called co-alcoholics. Research later revealed that the characteristics of codependents were much more prevalent in the general population than had been imagined. There are various definitions of codependency. They found that if you were raised in a dysfunctional family or had an ill parent, it’s likely that you’re codependent. Don’t feel discouraged if that includes you. You’re in the majority!

Most American families are dysfunctional, so that covers just about everyone. They also found that codependent symptoms progressed in stages and got worse if untreated, but the good news was that they were reversible. Here’s a list of symptoms, including six core symptoms that lead to the the others. You needn’t have all of them to qualify as codependent.

Shame and Low Self-Esteem — Core Symptom

Not feeling that you’re good enough or comparing yourself to others is a sign of low self-esteem. The tricky thing about self-esteem is that some people think highly of themselves, but it’s only a camouflage for really feeling unlovable or inadequate. Underneath, usually hidden from consciousness, are feelings of shame. Some of the things that go along with low self-esteem are guilt feelings and perfectionism. If…