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National Codependency Awareness Month

National Codependency Awareness Month – January 2025

National Codependency Awareness Month is in January, and it revolves around helping those who may be caught up in codependent relationships. This is important because being codependent is not healthy and may have an impact on one’s mental health. Most importantly, codependency greatly affects one’s ability to stay happy in relationships. As a result, National Codependency Awareness Month was established to guarantee that people continue to live happy lives. Make an additional effort to support folks who are codependent this January by raising awareness. It is also critical to persuade codependent persons to meet with specialists who may be able to best guide them. Let’s stop the cycle!

History of National Codependency Awareness Month

According to Webster’s dictionary, codependency is a psychological condition or a relationship where one feels the need to be dependent on or controlled by another. However, it’s not a mental illness, but a perception of life that is based on one’s childhood. Clinical literature states codependency develops when a child is exposed to a dysfunctional family, where they are exposed to abuse and neglect by the parents. While in sociology, codependency is a concept that looks at imbalanced and unequal relationships. This is where the codependent individual tries to make up for the self-destructive tendencies of the others by suppressing their own needs. Self-sacrifice and ignoring one’s own feelings and emotions are key to such a partnership. Because the codependent person is continually looking for acceptance, any criticism sends them into a tailspin. Codependent relationships can also develop between lovers, friends, siblings, parents, coworkers, and others.

Since codependents tend to put others on a high pedestal and ignore themselves, they have low self-esteem and a complex personality where their own needs come last. Such relationships can be extremely toxic, hence, they need to be identified and the codependent person must receive professional help. “Codependency is a circular relationship in which one person requires the other, who in turn needs to be needed,” explains Dr. Exelberg. Unless they are required by — and making sacrifices for — the enabler, also known as ‘the taker,’ the codependent person, sometimes known as ‘the provider,’ feels useless.
When psychologists started investigating family dynamics and how they affect one’s mental health in the 1940s and 1950s, they discovered the devastating effects of codependency.

 

National Codependency Awareness Month timeline

1990s
Magic Tools

Lunda Spann, a couple’s therapist, develops a codependency screening tool.

1941
Thinking It Over

German Psychoanalyst Karen Horney formulates theories regarding codependency.

1987
Making It Official

Timmen Cermak proposes codependency be listed as a personality disorder.

2013
Readers Delight

The book, “The Human Magnet Syndrome: Why We Love People Who Hurt Us,” analyzes codependency.

National Codependency Awareness Month FAQs

What is a codependent personality?

A codependent person plans their entire life around pleasing another person.

Where does codependency come from?

Codependency originates from one’s childhood and the circumstances one faced.

Do codependent marriages last?

A codependent relationship may be difficult, but can be successful if both parties work on it.

How to Observe National Codependency Awareness Month

  1. Research codependency

    Want to find out more about codependency? Conduct research on the topic to find out why people become codependent and how they can be helped.

  2. Spread awareness

    Many people in our country are unsure whether or not they are codependent. Raise awareness of the concept and contribute to the betterment of others' lives.

  3. Get therapy

    If you believe you are codependent, now is the time to face your anxieties and seek treatment from a professional who can help you make sensible decisions.

5 Facts About Codependency

  1. Codependents are sensitive

    Codependents are generally more sensitive and their feelings are hurt easily.

  2. The responsible ones

    Codependents are actually the glue of the family and are the ones who get everything done.

  3. Problems with codependency

    People with codependency usually have anxiety, depression, and P.T.S.D.

  4. Codependent Americans

    90% of Americans demonstrate codependent behavior.

  5. Codependent people

    40 million Americans, primarily women, are codependent.

Why National Codependency Awareness Month is Important

  1. It spreads information about codependency

    The month is crucial because it disseminates information about codependency. Many people are unaware that they are codependent until they are confronted with the truth.

  2. It encourages people to seek help

    During this month, the idea of seeking professional help is reiterated. This is necessary since we may be suffering without truly realizing the real cause.

  3. Awareness is created

    The month raises awareness about codependency, including its causes, what it is, the impact it can have on one's life, and how to break the cycle.

National Codependency Awareness Month dates

YearDateDay
2025January 1Wednesday
2026January 1Thursday
2027January 1Friday
2028January 1Saturday
2029January 1Monday
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