Loving Others Without Losing Yourself: A Heart-Healthy Approach to Codependency
February is often called the month of the heart. It’s American Heart Month, and it is also the month of Valentine’s Day. But there’s another kind of heart health that we often neglect: mental and emotional health.
Codependency often appears responsible, capable, and admirable on the surface. Many individuals caught in codependent patterns are dependable caretakers, problem-solvers, or emotional anchors for others. The pattern can be difficult to recognize because it is often praised as selfless or strong.
Self-care is not selfish. It is essential for interrupting codependent patterns and maintaining a sense of wholeness, stability, and emotional well-being. Start small, pause before saying yes, listen to your body, practice small boundaries, reconnect with yourself, and give yourself compassion.