Beziehungsabhängigkeit

Beziehungsabhängigkeit, sometimes referred to as codependency, describes a dysfunctional relationship pattern where one person’s self-worth and identity are heavily reliant on meeting the needs of another person, often to their own detriment. This pattern typically involves an unhealthy obsession with controlling or pleasing the partner, a neglect of one's own needs and desires, and a fear of abandonment. Individuals exhibiting beziehungsabhängigkeit may experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem when not in a relationship or when their partner is not dependent on them.

The roots of beziehungsabhängigkeit can often be traced back to childhood experiences, such as growing up in an environment where emotional needs were not met, or where one person was made to feel responsible for a parent's emotional well-being. This can lead to a distorted understanding of healthy relationships and a belief that one's value is determined by their ability to care for or fix others.

Common characteristics include excessive people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, a tendency to take on too much responsibility for others, and a profound fear of rejection or loneliness. While it is natural to want to support a partner, beziehungsabhängigkeit crosses into unhealthy territory when it consumes an individual's life and leads to personal suffering. Recognizing these patterns is the first step towards healing and developing healthier, more balanced relationships. Therapy, particularly through approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy, can be instrumental in addressing beziehungsabhängigkeit.