Codependency is when you find yourself way too focused on someone else's needs, almost feeling like it’s your job to keep them happy. This often starts in childhood, especially if love felt conditional or if you didn’t get the support you needed.

When you prioritize others so much, it’s easy to feel anxious or inadequate, and that can lead to a frustrating cycle. But here’s the good news: recognizing these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming your own needs and building healthier relationships. After all, you deserve just as much care and attention as those you’re always looking out for!

This quiz is designed to help you reflect on those thoughts and recognize cognitive distortions that may be shaping your perception of yourself and your experiences. Each statement invites you to examine your thinking patterns, from all-or-nothing thinking to perfectionism, and understand how they can cloud your view of reality.

Shame is a heavy emotion that many of us carry, especially if we've faced neglect or abuse in childhood. It creates a negative view of ourselves, leading to feelings of unworthiness. When we feel shame, we often hide our true selves, fearing rejection and seeking validation from others.

Understanding the types of respect we can receive—like inherent value and respect for character—helps us untangle these feelings. Healing begins with recognizing our inherent worth, allowing us to treat ourselves with kindness and set healthy boundaries in our relationships.

When those heavy thoughts linger, it’s essential to understand the difference between passive and active suicidal thoughts. Passive thoughts might make you wish to fade away, feeling overwhelmed and drained, while active thoughts can lead to planning and envisioning suicide. These feelings are often cries for relief, not a desire to end life itself.

Reaching out for help is crucial. Whether it’s talking to someone you trust or seeking professional support, you don’t have to navigate this alone. There’s hope, and taking that first step toward healing can lead to brighter days ahead. Remember, you matter, and your story is far from over.

In our lives, we all face moments that can leave us feeling down, unworthy, or ashamed. Shame can feel overwhelming and is the belief that something is wrong with us, making us feel unlovable or unworthy. This feeling often stems from our desire to belong and be accepted. While it can feel blameworthy, shame is also innocent—it arises from our wish to be loved.

To heal from shame, it’s essential to reconnect with this wish for love. Placing a hand on your heart each morning and checking in with yourself can help you recognize this desire. By acknowledging that we all want to be loved, we can begin to give ourselves the compassion we need.

Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can leave lasting marks on our emotional and mental well-being. For many, the effects of trauma are not just fleeting moments of distress but an ongoing struggle that impacts daily life. Those who have experienced complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) often find themselves caught in a web of overwhelming emotions and reactions, shaped by their past experiences.

In our brains, various survival mechanisms emerge, each influenced by the different ways we respond to threats. These responses—fight, flight, freeze, submit, and the cry for help—represent instinctive reactions that can dominate our behavior and feelings. Understanding these responses allows us to navigate our healing journey with compassion and insight.