Co-dependency Malaise

<p><b>Co-dependency Malaise</b></p> <p>Robert Burney once coined the term “co-dependent” in the 1940s and defined it as someone who depends on another person to meet their emotional needs. Co-dependency is putting somebody else’s needs before your own. Thereby, being co-dependent is hardly the same thing as simply being dependent. A co-dependent person may feel responsible for the happiness or well-being of others — especially if they have experienced abuse or neglect growing up. This term was widely used in the 1950s in the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, and Co-dependency is often found in alcoholic families.</p> <p>The word co-dependent was originally employed as synonymous with the earlier term enabler. As it was broadly defined, within Alcoholics Anonymous that assisted problem drinkers were then hidden by enablers that made excuses for them by minimizing or denying the many repercussions of their dysfunctional behaviour to maintain the family secret. The enabler or co-dependant supported—or at least enabled but tolerated their behaviour</p> <p>Since then, it has been applied not only to addictions in general but well beyond that to other types of mental health and behavioural problems, including domestic violence and emotional abuse. </p> <p>Just to clarify, Co-dependent means “dependent upon another person who has a power imbalance in the relationship.” It describes someone who relies too heavily on others to meet their needs. People with co-dependency problems tend to focus on what they need from others rather than on what others need. </p> <p>They often feel responsible for making sure everyone else is happy and satisfied, which leads to feelings of guilt and self-doubt. In this way, the underlying issue with co-dependency isn’t really that you care too much, but rather, that you don't care enough by losing sight of your own values and desires.</p> <p>While your relationship is based upon love and feeling responsible for them, it is unhealthy when your individuality is dependent upon someone