Codependency refers to an imbalanced relationship pattern, and occurs when a person is mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually reliant on another.

A codependent relationship can exist between romantic partners, but also with family members, friends and co-workers. Although the term codependency originated in chemical dependency (alcohol or substance addiction) it now covers relationships and is foundationally caused by a poor concept of self and poor boundaries.

Various biological, psychological, and social elements contribute to codependency, which is not a clinical diagnosis or a formally categorized personality disorder on its own.

A codependent person is often seen as ‘the giver’ who mistakenly feels that making sacrifices and giving of themselves to another will result in a reciprocation of their mental, emotional or physical needs.

Codependents are commonly unaware of their codependency as they focus most of their attention on satisfying others.

If you feel you are giving ‘all you’ve got’ to your relationship but don’t feel that you are getting your own needs met, then you may be codependent.