Hi, I’m Roslyn Saunders, and I’m a Codependency and Recovery Coach.
For years I’ve had the privilege of working with folks right here in Australia on their journey to recovery from addiction and the often-shadowed struggles of codependency. If you’ve found yourself searching for information on “codependency and anxiety,” you’re likely experiencing a knot of feelings that can be really tough to untangle. You’re not alone.
From my experience, what I’ve seen time and time again is how deeply intertwined codependency and anxiety can be. It’s like they’re two mates propping each other up in a way that ultimately isn’t healthy for either of them.
Think about it. Codependency, at its heart, is often about an excessive reliance on others for approval and a sense of worth. When your happiness and self-esteem are constantly hinging on the needs and feelings of someone else, it creates a breeding ground for anxiety. You might find yourself constantly worrying about:
- Their mood: Are they happy with me? Did I say the wrong thing?
- Their problems: Feeling responsible for fixing their issues, even when it’s not your responsibility.
- Their approval: Needing their validation to feel okay about yourself.
- Being alone: A deep-seated fear of abandonment if you don’t constantly please others.
This constant state of vigilance, of walking on eggshells, takes a massive toll on your nervous system. It’s no wonder that anxiety becomes a regular, unwelcome visitor. That tight feeling in your chest, the racing thoughts, the difficulty sleeping – these can all be amplified by the underlying patterns of codependency.
You might be a natural caregiver, someone who genuinely wants to help others. And that’s a beautiful quality. But codependency takes that caring nature to an unhealthy extreme, where your own needs and boundaries get lost in the process. You might find yourself saying “yes” when you really mean “no,” just to keep the peace or avoid disappointing someone. Over time, this can lead to resentment, burnout, and, yes, significant anxiety.
The good news is that understanding the connection between codependency and anxiety is the first step towards feeling better. You can break free from these patterns. You can learn to establish healthy boundaries, build your self-worth from within, and experience a greater sense of calm and control in your life.
My approach is all about providing a supportive and understanding space for you to explore these challenges. Together, we can identify the codependent behaviours that might be fuelling your anxiety and develop practical strategies to create healthier relationships – starting with the most important one: the relationship you have with yourself.
Are you curious to explore whether codependency might be contributing to your anxiety?
I’ve created a simple, confidential quiz on my website that can offer some initial insights. It’s a starting point, a way to gently begin understanding these patterns in your own life.
Click here to take the Codependency Quiz now.
Taking that first step can feel a bit daunting, but I promise you, it’s a step towards greater self-awareness and ultimately, a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Book a confidential, free 20-minute chat with me today. Let’s talk about you.
Warmly,
Roslyn Saunders
Addiction & Recovery Coach
Registered NDIS Provider (Psychosocial Recovery Coaching)
Member of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
