Relationships are work for everyone, but in an unbalanced, unhealthy relationship where there is psychological abuse, addiction, or a personality disorder, the situation can make living with these conditions miserable. Depression is a common result. If you are the partner of an addict, abuser, or disordered individual, it is possible you may have "codependent" tendencies. Here are 5 signs that this may be a problem for you:
1. You find yourself saying things that start with the phrase "Well, at least he does/doesn't _______." This is a form of rationalization that allows you to stay in what you know is a fundamentally unhealthy situation. With this phrase, you are attempting to minimize the destructive behavior.
2. You feel the need to hide his behavior from friends, family, or others. In your mind, you must protect your partner from the reactions of others. You may also feel shame that you are sticking around and taking abuse or bad behavior from your partner.
3. You either take the consequences for his behavior on yourself, or help him or her avoid them altogether. If your partner is hungover, you call in sick to work for him or her. If your partner doesn't meet his or her obligations, you step in to complete the work.
4. It is more important to "keep the boat afloat" than to deal with the serious abuse or addiction issues your partner may have. The thought of life without this person is so unbearable that you will do anything (or nothing at all) to prevent his or her anger, or other negative reaction.
5. You believe that the other person needs you, and that if you leave your partner he or she will self destruct and be unable to go on without you. You feel more comfortable in the rescuer mode than in a relationship of equality where there is give and take from both parties.
Are you interested in addressing your depression from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?
For a free copy of my ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-naturalmethodstofightdepression.html
Shannon Cook is a personal growth and relationship expert who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_E_Cook
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