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Codependents are also less likely to seek needed medical care and more likely to remain in stressful situations. Resulting social insecurity can progress into social anxiety and stress-related disorders such as depression. There is a strong relationship seen between codependency and negative physical side effects, too. Physical ramifications of codependency run the gamut from ulcers to high blood pressure, headaches, respiratory issues and heart problems.

Living with codependency, while uncomfortable emotionally, is physically unhealthy as well. The consequences of codependency can often be so severe that many professionals actually refer to it as a disease. The reasoning behind this reference is explored further by Beattie in Codependent No More:.

Ten Signs of Codependency

As people around us become sicker, we may begin to react more intensely. What began as a little concern may trigger isolation, depression, emotional or physical illness, or suicidal fantasies. One thing leads to another, and things get worse. Codependency may not be an illness, but it can make you sick. And, it can help people around you stay sick.

Confessions of a Codependent: What is Codependency?

We repeat habits without thinking. Habits take on a life of their own. A common companion to codependency, shame, is another damaging consequence that codependents typically face.

Beattie touches on shame in her book of daily meditations, The Language of Letting Go:. Many systems and people reek of shame. They are controlled by shame and may want us to play their game with them. They may be hoping to hook us and control us through shame. Compulsive behaviors, sexually addictive behaviors, overeating, chemical abuse, and addictive gambling are shame-based behaviors. If we participate in them, we will feel ashamed. We need to watch out for addictive and other compulsive behaviors because those will immerse us in shame. Book provides you with an easy to follow format for taking a step back and evaluating some of your learned habits.

Worth taking a look at. Feb 03, Rachelle Dodson rated it really liked it.

This was a great book for beginning the difficult work of healing from childhood surroundings that lead to codependency in adulthood. I feel like the book was great for starting the work, but it seems like there may need to be a different or continuing resource for finishing the work. Aug 08, Kathryn rated it it was amazing. I liked this book a lot. It is very informative.

I learned a lot about myself from this book. It has helped me understand what I'm going through in life. Jul 27, Theresa rated it it was amazing.

When Does Vicarious Trauma (VT) Become a Sign of Codependency? – Part I

Sep 03, Teresa rated it liked it Shelves: Aug 29, Jocelyn Wright rated it it was amazing. This book was an amazing read!!! This woman answered all of my questions in a way of simplicity. Jun 07, Michele Cervantes rated it really liked it. Im not crazy Good information I feel a whole lot better after reading his book. I am learning to take back my life. Oct 09, Holly rated it liked it Shelves: Amber Adams rated it it was amazing Apr 10, Katie rated it it was amazing Jul 09, Lynn rated it it was amazing Dec 18, Kelly Jeanes rated it it was amazing Jan 18, Kelly rated it it was ok Oct 14, Tanya Landis rated it it was amazing Dec 20, Julie Lamb rated it really liked it Sep 15, Lauren rated it did not like it May 20, Jenaya rated it it was amazing Aug 11, LeLani rated it really liked it Dec 29, Cassie rated it really liked it Sep 11, Vicarious Trauma is what happens to your neurological or cognitive , physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual health when you listen to traumatic stories day after day or respond to traumatic [or emotionally maddening, discouraging, and disheartening] situations while having to control your reaction.


  1. Identifying Codependency.
  2. When was Codependency “Discovered?”.
  3. The Consequences of Codependency!
  4. Confessions of a Codependent: What is Codependency?.
  5. You're Not Crazy - You're Codependent. by Jeanette Elisabeth Menter.
  6. Playing the Field: A Diamonds and Dugouts Novel!
  7. The Veteran Next Door: Stories from World War II Vol. 1.

VT is a process that unfolds over time. It is not just your responses to one person, one story, or one situation. However, I believe Vicarious Trauma is not only the product of horrific drama; VT conditions need to be placed on a spectrum of distress and disruption. Other less sensational yet often no less demanding person-social situation contexts contribute to VT susceptibility, including continuously working with or caring for: Clearly the potential for Vicarious Trauma and Caregiver Burnout cuts across a wide swath of essential and everyday roles and relationships.

Why were this person and these people targeted? So the numbing or alienating field of VT may not just be thousands of miles away; it may be as close as your professional office, a classroom, your living room, or the home of a family member. One must ask two critical questions: That is, do cognitive beliefs, personality characteristics, and patterns of coping and caregiving increase the likelihood of getting VT?

And do organizations or family-cultural systems themselves ever purposefully enable or unwittingly facilitate such trauma or burnout?