Codependency can negatively impact mental health from "summary" of Codependency For Dummies by Darlene Lancer
Codependency can lead to a range of mental health issues. When you're constantly focused on others and neglecting your own needs, it can take a toll on your emotional well-being. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. By constantly putting others first, you may start to lose sight of who you are and what you need to be happy. Furthermore, codependent relationships often involve enabling behaviors, where you might enable destructive habits or behaviors in the other person. This can create a cycle of dysfunction that is harmful to both parties. Enabling someone else's harmful behaviors can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and resentment, all of which can negatively impact your mental health. In addition, codependency can also lead to issues with boundaries. When you have weak or nonexistent boundaries, you may find yourself constantly being taken advantage of or feeling overwhelmed by the needs of others. This can create a sense of powerlessness and lack of control over your own life, which can be incredibly damaging to your mental health.- It's important to recognize the impact that codependency can have on your mental health. By learning to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and break free from enabling behaviors, you can start to take back control of your life and improve your emotional well-being. Remember, it's okay to put yourself first and take care of your own needs - in fact, it's essential for maintaining good mental health.
