What complications come from codependency?
1. Low self worth: I am not worthy of a better lifestyle. * 2. Scarcity principle: It is better than what I’ve been used to, so I should be satisfied with what I’ve got*. This results in perceived powerlessness: “I’d better not rock the boat.” Safety is survival.* 3. Medical complications: Including ulcers, high blood pressure*, colitis, heart problems*, asthma, allergies, cancer, and any “closing down” of the body functions. 4. Repression: The unconscious “holding in” of feelings comes from the rules of repression in dependent high stress environments.* • Rules of Repression: • Never confront an authority! • Authority rests in the parents (teachers, bosses, leaders), no matter what.* • Feel rotten inside, but never let others know how you feel.* • Repression results in feelings of: • Inadequacy, i.e., “never good enough” * • Anger, i.e., feeling “locked up*,” it is not nice to show anger.
