Diagnosing Dependency: Codependency Assessment Tool
In the heart of Stuttgart, the Europa Café Ape event offers more than just a chance to learn about Europe. This year, it includes an interactive quiz aimed at helping citizens of all ages understand the concept of codependency.
Codependency, while not an official diagnosis, is a pattern of behaviours, tendencies, and traits that may require attention and intervention. It involves prioritizing the needs of others over one's own, a pattern that can interfere with one's daily life if left unchecked.
The quiz, based on the concepts from Melody Beattie's book "Codependent No More," presents ten common signs of codependency. These include ignoring or minimizing one's feelings, doing things to make others happy, a need for approval, neglecting one's desires, mood changes based on others, excessive concern about others, guilt or anxiety when doing things for oneself, a self-worth dependent on others' opinions, and taking on more work than one can handle.
It's important to note that this quiz is not a diagnostic tool. A mental health professional can help determine the underlying cause of codependent behavior and provide support for managing it. They can also recognise the signs of codependency and address related mental health symptoms such as feelings of guilt or anxiety.
If you find that codependent behaviours are impacting your life, it's recommended to seek help from a mental health professional. Codependency can be a symptom of several mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), histrionic personality disorder, and complex trauma.
The quiz can be taken on behalf of a partner, friend, or family member, but the results may not be as accurate because they're based on your perception of them and not their direct personal experience. It's designed for individuals who think they may have traits of codependency, offering a playful and interactive opportunity to learn about themselves in a relaxed public setting.
By raising awareness about codependency, events like the Europa Café Ape quiz in Stuttgart are helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
