Am I Codependent?
How many of these statements apply to you?
- I am in a significant relationship with someone who is addicted to a substance or a behaviour, or someone who is depressed.
- I feel responsible for almost everybody and everything, but I feel guilty much of the time.
- I can't say "no" without feeling guilty.
- I can accurately "read" other people by analyzing their facial expressions and tone of voice.
- I try very hard to please people, but I seldom feel that I measure up.
- I feel that I have to protect people, especially the addicted or depressed person in my life.
- I live in such a way that no one can ever say I'm selfish.
- I go from defending the irresponsible person to blowing up in anger at him or her.
- I often relive situations and conversations to see if I can think of some way
- I could have done or spoken better.
- I feel overly frightened of angry people.
- I am terribly offended by personal criticism.
- To avoid feeling guilt and shame, I seldom stand up to people who disagree with me.
- I tend to see people and situations as "all good" or "all bad."
- Though I try to please people, I often feel isolated and alone.
- I trust people too much or not at all.
- I often try to get people I love to change their attitudes and behaviour.
- I tend to believe the addicted or depressed person's promises, even if he or she has broken countless promises before.
- Sometimes I have a lot of energy to help people, but sometimes I feel drained, depressed and ambivalent.
- I often give advice, even when it isn't requested.
- I tend to confuse love with pity, and I tend to love those who need me to rescue them from their problems.
- I believe I can't be happy unless others, especially the needy people in my life, are happy.
- I am often a victim in strained and broken relationships.
- I am defensive when someone points out my faults.
- My thoughts are often consumed with the troubles and needs of the addicted or depressed person in my life.
- I feel wonderful when I can fix others' problems, but I feel terrible when I can't.
Even if as few as 2 or 3 apply to you, then you are likely confused about your identity; or your identity is fused with someone else's?
Please contact us for an appointment.