If you are codependant, is it unhealthy to work in an environment to help people?

Question

I am codependant, and feel a sense of self worth simply by helping people. Is it unhealthy to want to work with the homeless?

Answer 1

No, but you do need to keep a "distance".  I am mentoring a social worker who tends to get "too close" to clients.  The result is that she crosses professional boundaries...becomes very stressed and personally becomes involved in their lives, to the detriment of herself and her family.  There are some people that simply cannot maintain perspective/balance in working in environments like these.  Help them, but do not become their friends...keep your balance.  You will learn alot by doing this.  Good luck to you!  (psychologist)

Answer 2

That's not what codependency is....that is kindness.

Answer 3

Codependency is being so involved in another person's existence that you don't allow your own opinions and feelings..

"Did you hear about the wife who asked her husband what kind of day she would have when she woke up?"

Kindness is helping people less fortunate than yourself. You can listen and be helpful to someone without being involved in their drama.