Co-dependency

Hi,

A therapist once told me that I was in a co-dependent relationship with my mom. I was thinking about this today and wondering if it is still true. How would I know? What defines an unhealthy level of dependence on a relative? I have a lot of difficulties with time-management, organisation, untidiness, forgetfulness etc and often get help from my parents to do things, although I don't live with them and manage my own finances. Is it possible that dependence on them could actually cause these problems to an extent?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

I have a few issues that are similar. I struggle to do much for myself. It seems like I always need someone to stabilise me and keep me on track. This person would likely be a parent, partner or close friend. Not sure if that makes me co-dependent. I've been fairly isolated now for several years and I've completely taken a nose dive.

I am not sure if I have underlying behavioural problems or co-dependency. It could be both, but what came first, the chicken or the egg?

Hi On the outside,

Yeah hard to know isn't it? Do you have a diagnosis of anything? Mine is Anxiety and Depression. My organisational problems are so severe now and I constantly forget things, so am thinking of being evaluated for possible ADHD. It feels like my SSRIs are making the forgetfulness worse, and since being on the meds I have even experienced slight manic symptoms. I saw a GP and told her this. She agreed that I should reduce my meds, but I can't remember exactly what she said (!) and have experienced some lows lately so am apprehensive.......

boxoffrogs

Hiya,

I have no diagnosis, meds or anything. Nobody knows how bad I am because I hide my problems and can act like a confident, competent person in public (It's exhausting though). Been this way for years.

As a child I think I slipped through the net and but could easily have been ADD. My life currently is confusing to say the least. Anxiety and depression would be high on my list of problems though.

My current thinking is I maybe had ADD as a child. My parents had to really push me to get me through school etc. I became reliant on being pushed to achieve anything and therefor ended up with some sort of dependency problems. Now, cut off from any support, I'm sinking to the bottom and slowly going crazy.

Seeing a GP soon. Anything could happen. Good luck getting sorted with your meds. Would be interested to know if you do end up with an ADHD diagnosis. You do sound like you have some similar issues to me.

Hey, and don't let too many of those frogs escape!

LOL! thanks, on-the-outside. Will try to keep a lid on the box. And will post what happens with diagnosis. Maybe you could also post when you have seen your doc? It has to be a good thing to get help although it's a hard step to take initially - all the best