Codependency has become something of a boogeyman in our society. We are taught from an early age that it’s a bad thing, and as we get older, we start to see it everywhere. But before you start berating yourself for being a codependent mess, take a step back and assess the situation. After all, you may be carrying around more weight than you realise because of your toxic codependency. In this blog post, we will explore the realities of the saviour complex and how you can use it to your advantage. We will also offer some tips on how to break free from your toxic codependency so that you can start living a healthier life.
What is Codependency?
Codependency is a term used to describe a dysfunctional relationship in which one person depends excessively on another for support and/or intimacy. Codependency can take many different forms, but most commonly it manifests as a reliance on someone else to provide emotional or financial security, to make decisions for the individual, or to fill any number of personal roles. In extreme cases, codependency can lead to an unhealthy dependency on someone else that is exploitative or damaging.
While there is no single definition of codependency, most experts agree that it is a pervasive problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, codependent individuals tend to be highly seek-after by others because they offer something valuable (usually stability and reliability). However, because codependents are so dependent on other people, these relationships often become tense and burdensome.
In order to overcome codependency, individuals first need to realize that they have the disorder. Once they have acknowledged that there is a problem, they need to begin working on repairing the damage that has been done over time. This may involve seeking out counseling or therapy in order to work through their issues head-on. It may also require making changes in how they approach relationships (i.e., being more independent) in order to reduce their reliance on others.
The Signs and Symptoms of Codependency
At some point, most of us develop a form of codependency. Codependency is a relationship pattern in which one person relies on another to meet their needs without necessarily reciprocating. This can be harmful because it leaves the dependent person feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and incapable of taking care of themselves.
The signs and symptoms of codependency vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Being overly reliant on others for your well-being
- Feeling overly responsible for others' happiness and success
- Struggling to set boundaries with others or stick to personal plans/goals
- Giving too much of yourself away to your relationships, whether it’s time, energy, or money
If you’re suffering from any of these signs and symptoms, it’s time to take a step back and assess how you’re relationship is affecting your overall health. If you think you may have codependent tendencies, here are some tips on how to overcome them:
Breathe. When we’re stressed out or overwhelmed, our breathing becomes shallow and rapid. This occurs because our amygdala - the part of our brain that controls stress responses - takes over our brain function. To combat this reaction, try focusing on slow breathing exercises like belly breathing or counting aloud while inhaling and exhaling deeply. Meditation can also help reduce stress levels. Get active. Exercise can help clear your head and give you a sense of detachment from your problems.
Read Also: Who Said Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost?
How to Deal with Toxic Codependence?
If you are reading this, it is likely that you have been struggling with a toxic relationship for some time. The problem is that when we are in a toxic relationship, it feels like the only thing we have. We are so used to being around this person that we start to believe that they are our only hope.
The truth is, though, that these types of relationships do not work and they never will. If you want to get out of this situation and find lasting happiness, then you need to deal with your toxic codependence. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
- Recognize the signs of toxic codependence. When looking for signs of toxicity in a relationship, be on the lookout for behaviors such as: always putting the other person first, using language that is abusive or threatening, constantly accusing the other person of being wrong, refusing to listen to or let go of the other person, or hiding things from the other person.
- Talk about your feelings honestly and openly with your partner. It can be difficult to express our emotions when we are in a toxic relationship because we are afraid of getting hurt again. However, talking about our feelings is essential in breaking free from this type of bond.
- Don’t try to fix things on your own. Trying to fix things on our own often leads us into more trouble because we end up taking charge instead of letting our partner take responsibility for their actions. This ultimately
Steps to Recover from Toxic Codependence
If you are struggling with toxic codependence, there is hope. Toxic codependence is a chronic condition that can be effectively treated with therapy and treatment. Here are some steps to help overcome your toxic codependence:
- Recognize that you have a problem. Toxic codependence is not something that you simply need to grow out of; it is a serious mental health condition that requires professional assistance. If you do not believe that you have a problem, it will be much more difficult to seek help.
- Seek professional help. Treatment for toxic codependence often involves therapy and counseling. Seeking professional help will allow you to work on the underlying issues that led to your toxic dependence in the first place. It is important to find a therapist who understands your unique situation and can provide the support and guidance you need during your treatment process.
- Make lifestyle changes. In order to overcome toxic codependence, you will need to make some changes in your lifestyle. This may mean embracing new habits or attitudes that are healthier for you overall. Living an unhealthy lifestyle caused by your toxic dependence will only make things worse, so it is important to take action and start fresh.
- Set boundaries with those who contribute to your toxicity. Some of the people who contribute most heavily to your toxicity are likely family members, friends, or romantic partners who continue to add fuel to the fire of your addiction. It is important to set boundaries with these individuals in
Conclusion
It’s hard to admit that we need help, but that’s exactly what the Savior Complex is telling us. Our toxic codependence has taken over our lives, and we are stuck in a cycle of self-defeating behavior. We need to find a way out, and admitting that we need help is the first step. Once we acknowledge this problem, it will be easier to start working on fixing it.