Signs & Symptoms of Codependency

Life Works - the leading specialist in the treatment of co-dependence.

Symptoms of Co-dependence

The symptoms of co-dependence are largely focused around a compulsion to put others' needs before your own, a tendency to develop relationships that are one-sided, abusive or destructive, and a fear of not being liked by others.

This often causes co-dependent people to stay in abusive or unhealthy relationships. Rather than seeing the abuse they are subjected to, co-dependent people will place the feelings of their abuser above themselves. They may even see the abuse as a result of their own failings as a partner.

If you are suffering with co-dependency, please call Life Works at 0800 081 0700 or fill out our contact form.

Symptoms of Co-dependence

• You judge what you think, say or do harshly, and as never 'good enough'.
• Receiving recognition, praise or gifts embarrasses you.
• You don't ask others to meet your needs or wants.
• You value others' approval of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour over your own.
• You perceive yourself as an unlovable or unworthy person.
• You struggle to identify your own feelings.
• You minimise, alter or deny how you really feel.
• You perceive yourself as unselfish and fully dedicated to others' well being.
• You perceive other people as unable to take care of themselves.
• You try to convince others of what they 'should' think and how they 'really' feel.
• You feel resentment towards people who won't let you help them.
• You give other people advice – even if they haven't asked for your help.
• You have used sex to gain acceptance and approval.
• You need to be 'needed' to have relationships with people.
• You compromise your own values and integrity to avoid others' anger or rejection.
• You are fiercely loyal, and stay in dangerous or abusive situations too long.
• You accept sex when you want love.

For more information on co-dependency or our treatment, please call Life Works at 0800 081 0700 or fill out our contact form.

Symptomatic denial

Denial is common and symptomatic of codependence, so you may deny that you have a problem both to yourself and to others, through:

• Minimising the impact of your codependence on your health.
• Criticising those around you for making too much fuss about your relationships.
• Concealing your codependent behaviours and relationships from your friends or family.
• Placing the blame for your codependence on other people or situations in your life, such as "I devote myself to my friends and family but when I need help, no one is there for me", or "I do my best for people and I never get any thanks for it".

Get help

As a leading, private behavioural health clinic for the treatment of co-dependence, Life Works is able to help you. We can answer any questions or concerns you may have, and help you find the right treatment.

If you need help or advice about co-dependence for yourself or a loved one, please call us on 0800 081 0700 to speak to one of our counsellors in confidence. You can also fill out our Contact Form.