Mental health and codependency intersect in profound ways that affect how we treat ourselves, not just our relationships with others. We explore four key patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of burnout, guilt, and emotional exhaustion while providing practical steps toward healing. We will explore how: • People-pleasing isn't just politeness but a…

In this bonus episode for Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Angela Downey shares five powerful mindset shifts that challenge how we think about healing and self-care: Healing isn’t linear — Growth often looks messy, not perfect. You can struggle and still be strong — Vulnerability is courage, not weakness. Feeling your feelings isn’t weakness — Em…

The quietest form of trauma often leaves the deepest marks. If you've always been "the strong one," the helper, or the person who never rocks the boat, this episode on emotional neglect might explain why you still struggle with relationships as an adult. Emotional neglect isn't defined by dramatic incidents but rather by what didn't happen in your …

Ever caught yourself saying "it's not that bad" when you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply not yourself? That seemingly innocent phrase carries enormous weight, subtly convincing us to minimize our struggles and postpone getting the support we truly need. This Mental Health Awareness Month bonus episode tackles high-functioning distress—…

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I dive deep into the phenomenon of love bombing—a term I only discovered a few years ago, despite having experienced it firsthand. We explore what love bombing really is: an overwhelming display of affection, attention, and promises that can feel intoxicating but often masks emotional manipulation. I share…

We often think mental health transformation requires dramatic life changes, but what if the most powerful shifts happen through tiny, consistent habits? That's exactly what I discovered through my own journey of healing from codependency and burnout. In this intimate bonus episode for Mental Health Awareness Month, I share six small mindset shifts …

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I delve into the painful experience of the silent treatment—what it is, why people use it, and how it can deeply affect relationships. I share my own experiences with the silent treatment and highlight how it can trigger feelings of confusion, shame, and anxiety, especially for those who have grown up in e…

What does it really mean to take care of our mental health? Beyond diagnoses and therapy sessions lies the everyday work of nurturing our emotional well-being—a practice we often overlook until we're approaching burnout. During Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share some hard-won insights about what mental wellness actually looks like in …

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I delve into the concept of losing ourselves in the roles we play, whether as a professional, a parent, or a caregiver. Many of us tie our self-worth to our titles and responsibilities, often without realizing it, leading to feelings of being stuck, lost, or drained. I share my personal journey of how I id…

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I delve into the often-overlooked aspect of healing: the loneliness that can accompany personal growth. While healing is frequently portrayed as a beautiful and empowering journey, it can also feel isolating, especially when you start setting boundaries and stepping away from toxic patterns. I discuss how …

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I delve into the complex and often misunderstood concept of "victim mode." As a family doctor and fellow codependent, I understand that many of us have experienced feelings of powerlessness, especially after trauma, burnout, or in the context of codependency. This episode is designed to foster compassion a…

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I dive deep into the topic of burnout, a personal experience that has significantly shaped my life and career. Burnout is more than just feeling tired; it's a profound exhaustion that affects our body, mind, and emotions, often creeping up on us until we hit a breaking point. I share my own struggles with …

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I delve into the complex emotions of jealousy and envy—two feelings that many of us grapple with but often struggle to understand. As we explore these emotions, I aim to shed light on how they can impact our self-worth and relationships, particularly in the context of codependency. I begin by discussing th…

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I delve into the complexities of gender identity and the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the context of codependency. I begin by emphasizing the importance of acceptance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their differences. I share my unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ commu…

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I delve into the intricate relationship between addiction and mental health, emphasizing that addiction is often a coping mechanism for underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. As we wrap up the fifth and final episode of my miniseries on addictions, I explore various co-occurring men…

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor we delve into the often-overlooked impact of addiction on loved ones who are not the ones struggling with substance use. While previous episodes have focused on the individual battling addiction, today, I want to shine a light on the emotional turmoil faced by partners, family members, and friends who find …

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I, Dr. Angela Downey, delve into the world of alternative addiction recovery programs, moving beyond the traditional 12-step approach that many are familiar with. Having previously explored the nature of addiction and the effectiveness of 12-step programs in our last two episodes, I recognize that recovery…

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I am excited to present part two of our miniseries on addictions, focusing specifically on the transformative power of 12-step programs. Whether you’re familiar with Alcoholics Anonymous or simply curious about the principles behind these programs, this episode is designed to provide valuable insights for …

This episode is the first of a mini series I have created on addiction. It offers a deep and compassionate exploration of addiction, its roots, and the interconnection with codependency. The discussion highlights various forms of addiction, the impact of trauma, denial, and the importance of self-reflection and support in the recovery process. • Ex…

Ever wondered why solitude can feel so enriching, yet loneliness feels so heavy? Join me as we dissect the nuanced differences between being alone and feeling lonely. Discover how alone time can be a crucial pillar for personal growth and self-connection, providing a much-needed escape from external pressures. We'll explore loneliness as an emotion…

Bonus episode: Navigate the often turbulent waters of family holiday gatherings with newfound confidence and peace. Discover techniques to defuse escalating tensions and let go of the unrealistic expectations that often lead to frustration. Through our discussion, you'll gain tools to build and maintain boundaries, ensuring you protect your energy …

Unlock the secret to a fulfilling relationship by understanding the profound impact of love languages. Join me as I guide you through the transformative power of recognizing and communicating love languages, based on Dr. Gary Chapman's groundbreaking work. Many of us struggle with feelings of being unloved due to mismatched expressions of affection…

What if prioritizing yourself could be your greatest strength rather than a selfish act? Join me in this eye-opening episode where I unpacks a lifelong misconception that prioritizing self-care is selfish, especially for those overcoming codependency. I explore the roots of this struggle, often stemming from early teachings that placed others' need…

Unlock the secret to transforming your personal and professional relationships through the power of emotional intelligence. Discover how building self-awareness can be the first step towards understanding and managing your emotions effectively. Our discussion focuses on how many people unknowingly internalize blame and self-doubt, leading to a dism…

Unlock the secrets of your relationship dynamics as we take a deep dive into the world of attachment styles. Ever wondered why some relationships feel secure while others are filled with uncertainty? Join us as we explore the foundations laid by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, tracing how our earliest bonds with caregivers shape our adult connectio…

Could the bonds in your closest relationships be holding you back instead of lifting you up? Join me as I unravel the intricate web of enmeshment that can blur boundaries and obscure individuality in the relationships we cherish most. This episode sheds light on how these dynamics differ from healthy relationships, where respect and mutual enjoymen…

Join me as we tackle the aftermath of betrayal through the heart-wrenching words of a listener who bravely shares their journey. This episode is a safe space where we unravel the tangled ties of infidelity, emphasizing the role of honesty, communication, and unwavering commitment in the healing process. We touch on how to separate actions from self…

Unlock the secrets to understanding and healing from codependent and narcissistic relationships with Dr. Angela Downey on the Codependent Doctor podcast. Ever wonder why certain people are drawn to relationships that seem to take more than they give? Discover how childhood dynamics with narcissistic parents can shape codependent traits, leading ind…

What if your relationship's boundaries weren't just crossed but shattered? Join me, Dr. Angela Downey, as we confront the severe reality of consent violations in relationships. Using a listener's heart-wrenching story, we take an unflinching look at the necessity of clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing consent for any sexual activity. We'll discuss the…

Join me, Dr. Angela Downey, as we unravel the emotional tug-of-war parents face, the financial challenges, and the heartache of trying to foster independence in adult children. This episode sheds light on the deep mental and physical toll caregiving can take, along with its ripple effects on relationships with family members and partners. It's a co…

What if striving for perfection is actually sabotaging your happiness? Join me, Dr. Angela Downey, as I uncover the intricate web between codependency and perfectionism in this enlightening episode of the Codependent Doctor. I lay bare my own battles with perfectionism, from obsessively preparing for a simple board game to the eventual burnout from…

Discover how self-esteem plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives. This week's episode of the Codependent Doctor with Dr. Angela Downey uncovers the profound impact of personal experiences, societal messages, and our upbringing on our self-esteem. We examine the roots of low self-esteem and codependency, shedding light on how childhood experiences…

Can loyalty be a double-edged sword in codependent relationships? Join me, Dr. Angela Downey, as we unlock the complex dynamics of loyalty and explore how it can both build and break us within these emotionally charged partnerships. You'll learn how extreme loyalty can trap us in unhealthy relationships, draining our emotional resources and well-be…

Let’s face it, as codependents, we can struggle with boundaries because our self-worth often comes from helping others, and this can lead to overstepping. In this episode, Dr. Angela Downey discusses the importance of minding our own business, emphasizing respect for others' privacy and boundaries. By focusing on our own personal growth and respect…

Have you ever found yourself constantly trying to meet the needs of others, even at the expense of your own well-being? Join me, Dr. Angela Downey, as I share my personal journey through the maze of codependency in this eye-opening episode of the Codependent Doctor. I recount the pivotal moments that led me to acknowledge my own codependent behavio…

Gossiping is often portrayed as a bonding moment between close friends but that perception is just not accurate. In this episode, Dr. Angela Downey unpacks the harmful effects of gossiping, such as damaging trust and relationships, and explores why people gossip to seek validation or control. She also offers strategies to avoid gossip; including se…

It’s time to untangle our past shame from our perfectly imperfect current selves. Shame is a complex and challenging emotion, often arising when we feel we don't meet others' standards and fear rejection. Our host, Dr. Angela Downey, guides us through the intricacies of shame, providing numerous examples of what it can look and feel like. She also …

Wondering what real self-care looks like beyond spa days and shopping sprees? Dr. Angela Downey explores Pooja Lakshman's book "Real Self Care," examining the difference between quick fixes and lasting self-care, including setting boundaries, changing how we talk to ourselves, living by our values, and using our power for good. This episode will gi…

Ever wondered how often you lie and what it does to your life and relationships? In this episode, Dr. Angela Downey breaks down why everyone lies, how different types of lies affect relationships, and the tricky ethics of honesty, especially in codependent dynamics. By getting a handle on these points, listeners can reflect on their own honesty and…

Katerine, one of our listeners, was curious about how to handle dating while dealing with codependency. Dr. Angela Downey gets into the nitty-gritty of this topic, talking about the need to avoid being too clingy and finding a good balance. She outlines the struggles those of us with codependency face: like always putting our partner first, struggl…

How can we learn to be as kind to ourselves as we are to our closest pals? Dr. Angela Downey explores this in a reflective episode about self-compassion. She talks about the struggles that codependents face when trying to be kind to themselves, often because they're used to putting others first and feeling like they're not enough. Dr. Downey sugges…

What if you could transform your relationships by simply defining how others treat you? Join Dr. Angela Downey this week on the Codependent Doctor as we uncover the power of setting healthy boundaries. Through relatable examples we learn how to communicate needs assertively and respectfully. This episode sheds light on why codependents often strugg…

In this heartfelt episode we will explore the intricate ways that grief impacts our lives, regardless of the loss being anticipated. We discuss how the depth and health of our relationships can shape our grieving processes, making each experience deeply unique and personal. From denial to acceptance, I offer insights into the often misunderstood st…

Discover the keys to personal liberation as I, Dr. Angela Downey, guide you through the labyrinth of codependency and control, offering insights that promise to unlock new doors to self-awareness and empowerment. Together, we'll confront the tough questions about our futile attempts to control others and learn to distinguish what's within our grasp…

Feel the tight grip of anxiety loosening as Dr. Angela Downey, your guide on the Codependent Doctor, unveils the intricacies of our inner alarm system. Discover the paradox of anxiety—it's a natural part of being human, yet often it steers us into irrational territory, as exemplified by a patient's undue panic over undercooked chicken. We dissect t…

Have you ever found yourself saying 'yes' when every fiber of your being is screaming 'no'? You're not alone. Join me on a deep-dive exploration into the world of people-pleasing, where I peel back the layers of our fear of disapproval and the societal pressures that drive us to forsake our own needs. This episode is a journey through self-discover…

Struggling to say 'no' and feeling burnt out? You're not alone. On the latest episode of Codependent Doctor, I, Dr. Angela Downey, get candid about the tightrope walk between kindness and compulsion. We take a look at why 'yes' might not always be the golden word and how our ancestral need for acceptance can morph into a modern-day trap of people-p…

Join me in a heartfelt episode where I peel back the layers of my own journey—uncovering the deeply ingrained childhood coping mechanisms that linger into adulthood, often to our detriment.Together, we'll explore the subtle yet profound ways codependency can manifest, from the inability to recognize our own emotions to an excessive self-reliance th…