Codependency

Also known as relationship addiction, codependency is often a learned behavior, passed down from one generation to the next. Consequently, children become codependent by watching and imitating family members.

Codependent symptoms include low self-esteem, putting aside one’s own interests and values in favor of helping others, and remaining in situations and relationships that are harmful. As a result, codependent recovery is difficult because people in such relationships often do not acknowledge that a problem exists.

Sources: Mental Health America, US National Library of Medicine (NIH), Co-Dependents Anonymous International