Partners in a codependent relationship may rely on each other for their own needs. They may not set clear boundaries, control how their partner spends their time, and have a strong fear of abandonment.
Partners in an interdependent relationship may show mutual support and respect for each other, while balancing their relationship with other aspects of their life. Interdependent couples may have healthier relationships than partners with codependent couples.
Codependent behaviors can be caused by poor mental health, traumatic experiences, and other risk factors. Codependent relationships can happen with friends, family members, or romantic partners.
If you or a loved one suffer from codependent behavior, a professional mental health program can help.
Codependent Relationships
In a codependent relationship, partners may need each other for their own sense of self-worth. They may not know how to function when apart, or understand how to set healthy boundaries.
Signs of codependency in a romantic relationship may include:
- relying on your partner for your own needs
- taking care of most or all of your partner’s needs
- a strong fear of abandonment
- feelings of resentment
- lack of self-awareness towards your relationship
- not spending time with other friends, family members, or loved ones
Codependent relationships can lead to low self-esteem, poor mental health, and a poor understanding of your own feelings and own interests.
Interdependent Relationships
In an interdependent relationship, partners may also have some dependency for financial and emotional support. However, setting boundaries and having a sense of self can be key differences between codependent and interdependent relationships.
- healthy communication during conflict
- mutual support for each other’s personal goals
- mutual respect for each other’s differences
- a balanced relationship between quality time together and pursuing personal growth
- not needing constant validation
- practicing self-care when needed
People in an interdependent relationship may have high self-esteem and a solid sense of self. This foundation can help you form healthy and balanced relationships.
How Healthy Or Unhealthy Relationships Form
A codependent person may experience stress, trauma, and even abuse in their lifetime. They may develop an unhealthy attachment style they bring to current relationships. Preexisting mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression can also lead to unhealthy relationships.
People with interdependent relationships may have a history of healthy relationships. They may also experience unhealthy or codependent relationships, but learned from their past experiences with professional help.
People who struggle to maintain healthy relationships may reach out to therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health services to improve the relationships in their life.
Healthy Relationships & Your Mental Health
Healthy or unhealthy relationship dynamics can affect your overall well-being and mental health. You may have trouble focusing on your children, work, school, or other obligations if you do not have healthy boundaries with your loved ones.
Unhealthy relationships can worsen your mental health and make your daily life more difficult. If you have trouble setting boundaries or leaving a toxic relationship, you may benefit from professional help.
Northeast Addictions Treatment Center
Unhealthy relationships can worsen your well-being and lead to further unhealthy relationships in the future. For mental health services that can teach you how to manage relationships in your life, contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center.
We offer primary mental health services for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other serious conditions.
Our mental health treatment programs may include cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and support group services. We can teach you the skills you need to mend and create healthy relationships in your life.
People Also Read:
- Dating In Early Recovery | Risks & Benefits
- Can You Date In Rehab? | Relationships In Early Recovery
- Repairing Relationships Damaged By Drug Abuse
- 7 Reasons Why Alcohol Ruins Your Relationships
Sources
- Addiction and Health – Living with Addicted Men and Codependency: The Moderating Effect of Personality Traits
- Frontiers in Psychiatry – Emotional Interdependence and Well-Being in Close Relationships
- SpringerLink – The Lived Experience of Codependency: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis | International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction