What is codependency?

Codependency is a condition that develops in people who live with addicts or who, in general, are caught up in prolonged situations of high emotional stress. These people have grown used to living in emotionally harmful situations, with no suitable space to express their feelings. They have gradually adapted to unhealthy situations in the only way possible: by becoming unwell themselves.

They end up suffering a condition made up of behaviour patterns such as controlling, rescuing or pleasing the people around them; behaviours that seem effective at easing the stress they live with, but which actually cause great emotional suffering, a sense of inner emptiness and general discomfort. This condition does not disappear just because the situation that caused it no longer exists.

This distress usually shows up as difficulties relating to others and to ourselves. It translates into symptoms such as anxiety, obsession, fear, jealousy, stress, irritation, dissatisfaction, a lack of meaning or confusion, among many others.

Treating your codependency at Reconectar

It is common to feel ashamed and bewildered when we realise we are not well within ourselves and don't know how to fix it. Asking for help is hard, especially when we don't know what is happening to us, and we tend to blame ourselves for not handling life better. Yet when we try to deal with other people's addiction —or with our own distress— without specialist help, we often make the situation worse.

At Reconectar we will look at your case and give you the guidance you need to learn what to do about a loved one's addiction, or how to build a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with yourself and the world around you. When you contact us, you will be seen directly by the therapists, in complete discretion and confidentiality.