This post contains “Am I codependent Quiz” to help you determine if you have codependency issues.
What Is Codependency?
Codependency is not a diagnosable mental illness.
Rather, it is a pattern of dysfunctional behavior that may include people-pleasing, perfectionism, poor boundaries, etc.
A codependent person is someone with low sense of self and personal identity. That is, the codependent is unaware of their own internal experience, including their feelings, needs, and desires.
Instead, the codependent will become overly focused on others and base their self-worth, actions, and desires on someone else.
The Severity of Codependency
Codependency exists on a continuum.
For some people codependency is a small habit that causes them distress occasionally. But for others, codependency is part of who they are, causing them different issues, such as intense need for approval and feelings of depression.
Am I Codependent Quiz
#1. Are you afraid to let other people be who they are and allow events to happen naturally?
#2. Do you feel compelled or forced to help people solve their problems (for example, offering advice)?
#3. Do you try to control events and how other people should behave through coercion, advice-giving, manipulation, or domination?
#4. Do you live too much by other people’s standards?
#5. Do you put on a show to impress people or do you feel like you’re not the person you pretend to be?
#6. Do you feel that in order to get along and be liked, you need to be what people want you to be?
#7. Do you believe that it is selfish to put my own needs before the needs of others?
#8. Do you find it easier to take care of others than to take care of yourself?
#9. Do feelings often build up inside you that you do not express?
#10. Have you been raised by a narcissist, an addict, or a non-nurturing caregiver?
This is not a diagnostic tool. We will not sell your information. All results are kept confidential.
Results
The questions above represent common signs of codependency issues.
Less than 3 Yes Answers:
If you answered yes to between 0 and 3 questions, codependency may not be a concern for you right now.
More than 3 Yes Answers:
If you answered yes to more than 3 questions, it is possible that you are codependent.
Consider talking with a counselor who can give you some additional insight into your codependent tendencies and help you get more answers.
Related: Codependency vs. Love (+Practical 8 Tips to Move From Codependency to Real Love)
Get FREE Overcome Codependency Worksheets
What Causes Codependency?
Codependency is often caused by growing up in a dysfunctional family environment where emotional dependency was encouraged and healthy boundaries were not established. This can include:
1. Childhood trauma or neglect
2. Substance abuse or addiction in the family
3. Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
4. Enmeshment or over-involvement in family members’ lives
5. Lack of emotional support in childhood
6. A need to control or fix others’ problems
These factors can lead to feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and a lack of trust in oneself and others.
As a result, codependent individuals may seek validation and security through relationships, often sacrificing their own needs and desires to please others.
Related: What Causes Codependency? Top 6 Reasons You May Be Codependent
How to Break Free From Codependency?
Codependency is a pattern of behavior in which someone excessively relies on, and often takes responsibility for, the emotions, feelings, and behaviors of another person.
This can lead to an unhealthy and one-sided relationship dynamic, where the codependent individual may feel trapped or unable to establish healthy boundaries.
It is important to cultivate a strong sense of self and independence in order to avoid falling into the trap of codependency.
Here are some steps you can take:
1. Recognize the behavior: The first step to breaking free from codependency is to recognize the behavior. This involves understanding what codependency is and how it affects your life.
Related: Codependency And Enmeshment: 9 Signs You May Be In An Enmeshed Relationship
2. Set boundaries: Codependents often struggle with setting boundaries and saying no. Learning to set healthy boundaries is essential in overcoming codependency.
3. Focus on self-care: Codependents tend to focus on other people’s needs and neglect their own. It’s important to prioritize self-care, including taking care of your physical and emotional health.
Related: Best 20 Must-Read Books On Codependency
4. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and learn to respond to them in a healthy way. This can help you break free from codependent patterns of behavior.
5. Build a fulfilling life: Work to create a life that brings you joy and fulfillment, independent of any one person or relationship. Focus on developing your own interests and goals.
Related: How To Overcome High Functioning Codependency?
Conclusion
Breaking free from codependency takes time and effort. But with the right support and tools, it is possible to live a fulfilling and healthy life.
References
- The Lived Experience of Codependency: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis | SpringerLink
- Codependency: An Empirical Study from a Systemic Perspective | SpringerLink
- Living with Addicted Men and Codependency: The Moderating Effect of Personality Traits – PMC (nih.gov)
- Measuring codependents’ close relationships: a preliminary study – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Co-Dependency | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
- Codependency: What Are The Signs & How To Overcome It (positivepsychology.com)
- Codependent relationships: Symptoms, warning signs, and behavior (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Codependency of the Members of a Family of an Alcohol Addict – ScienceDirect
