Codependency

What is Codependence?

Codependence in a relationship is when one person focuses so much on another person’s needs that they neglect their own wants and needs. Codependency can occur in any type of relationship: family, partner, roommate, coworker, etc. However, codependent individuals often are codependent in multiple areas of their lives.

Codependence can look like:

·Finding it hard to say no

·Relying on someone else to make decisions for you or to guide you

·Believing the opinions/feelings of others are more important than your own

·Low self-esteem or feeling inadequate

·You’re too busy, but don’t turn down additional tasks

·Neglecting yourself to care for others

·Need to “feel needed”

·Patterns of trying to “rescue” others

Codependent individuals have good intentions; they try to take care of others. However, they do it at their own expense.

How Does it Relate to Our Services?

Oftentimes, codependency is in response to trauma. Domestic violence and abuse can “rewire” the brain to do anything it can to keep an abuser from getting upset or violent. Codependency then becomes a survival tactic or coping skill. While this coping skill may protect a victim while in an abusive relationship, it is not mentally or physically healthy for an individual to stay codependent.

Codependency is also common in domestic violence relationships because the abuser aims to make the victim dependent on them as a form of control. Abusers try to control and manipulate victims into relying on them for physical, financial, and emotional support. This relationship dynamic often leads to low self-esteem and further dependence on the abuser. After survivors leave an abusive relationship, it can be difficult to build healthy relationships with others.

How to Overcome Codependency

Lafayette House is here to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use disorder in many ways. This includes building healthy relationships, increasing self-confidence, and building healthier coping skills.

Tips to overcome Codependency include:

·Seek help from organizations like Lafayette House

·Build boundaries

·Focus on self-care

·Practice saying “no”

·Build a healthy support system

·And more…

Contact Information:

Crisis Line: 1 (800) 416-1772

Main Office: 1 (417) 782-1772

Main Office Address: 1809 S Connor Ave. Joplin, Missouri 64804

Neosho Office: 417-451-6106

Neosho Office: 118 W. Spring St., Neosho, MO, 64850

Website: https://lafayettehouse.org/

At Lafayette House, we believe everyone deserves the right to control their own life. Reach out for counseling, case management, and other services meant to empower individuals to take control of their lives.