QCOSTARICA — Emotional dependency, also known as “relationship addiction,” is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pattern of unmet emotional needs that are maladaptively met through other people, can generate effects similar to those of an addiction.
This is what psychology experts assert, since when a person’s emotional well-being depends on someone else, areas of the brain are activated as if they were addicted to a substance.
“In many cases where the relationship has already taken on this dimension more through manipulation, control, where the other person has realized that I am a dependent person, that therefore I am an easy object to manipulate, that I am a very accommodating person, often the healthiest thing is to get out of there,” commented psychologist Viviana García.
– Advertisement –
“I know it’s not easy. There’s a reason emotional dependency is compared to dependence, for example, on alcohol or drugs. Because parts of the brain are literally activated that are also linked to addictive behaviors related to these substances. So I think I’m going to die without this person, but believe me, you can break free from emotional dependency,” she stated.
How can you break free from emotional dependency?
García offers four tips that can help:
- If you have access to psychological therapy, give yourself that gift, as professional help is often needed to break out of these harmful bonds.
- Talk to someone you trust. This can help you see angles and things you don’t notice from the bond of emotional dependence.
- Take note of those behaviors you identify as unhealthy. This will help you gain more clarity about the situation.
- Most importantly, work on self-love. Take time to get to know yourself, your tastes, your dreams, and other aspects. This way, you can develop more autonomy and gradually break free from emotional dependence.
The correct concept, according to the expert, is interdependence, that is, developing bonds that are not based on need but on choice.
“It’s not that we are islands and that we will be able to move forward alone, without anyone, because the healthy and beautiful thing about humanity is that we need each other, but we need each other to support each other, to find empathy, solidarity, from freedom,” García added.
Emotional dependency often stems from feelings of low self-worth and insecurity, among other factors. It is important to be honest with yourself, recognize that you are dealing with this behavior, and understand that it is acceptable to seek help.
– Advertisement –
Source link
Rico
