Panic Disorder 411
Are You Codependent?

21 Characteristics Of A Codependent Person
← Articles Index
Codependency is a state of mutual dependence between two
people, especially when one partner relies emotionally on
supporting and caring for the other partner (and typically the
other partner is chemically or emotionally addicted).
1. My good feelings about who I am stem from being liked by
you.
2. My good feelings about who I am stem from receiving approval
from you.
3. Your struggle affects my serenity. My mental attention focuses
on solving your problems, on relieving your pain.
4. My mental attention is focused on you.
5. My mental attention is focused on protecting you.
6. My mental attention is focused on manipulating you to do it my
way.
7. My self-esteem is bolstered by solving your problems.
8. My self-esteem is bolstered by relieving your pain.
9. My own hobbies and interests are put to one side. My time is
spent sharing your hobbies and interests.
10. Your clothing and personal appearance are dictated by my
desires, and I feel you are a reflection of me.
11. Your behavior is dictated by my desires, and I feel you are a
reflection of me.
12. I am not aware of how I feel. I am aware of how you feel.
13. I am not aware of what I want, so I ask what you want. I am
not aware, so I assume.
14. The dreams I have for my future are linked to you.
15. My fear of rejection determines what I say or do.
16. My fear of your anger determines what I say or do.
17. I use giving as a way of feeling safe in our
relationship.
18. My social circle diminishes as I involve myself with you.
19. I put my values aside in order to connect with you.
20. I value your opinion and way of doing things more than my
own.
21. The quality of my life is in relation to the quality of
yours.
Source: Anonymous
THE ROAD TO FORT WORTH by Michael Jackson Smith: Very little was known about panic disorder when I had my first panic attack. There was no help available to teach me how to assuage the attacks, but I discovered that alcohol would dissolve my fear instantly. My website contains the kind of information that would have been a tremendous help to me in the early days of my illness as I searched for solutions for the panic disorder, agoraphobia, and alcoholism that incapacitated me. My book is the story of my journey into recovery. Read Chapter 8 | Top of Page↑