Independence, Interdependence, & Codependency: What's the Difference? - S4 E5

Codependency = a mental, emotional, physical, and/or spiritual reliance on a partner, friend, or family member. The term can also carry a negative connotation, as a kind of dysfunctional relationship where one person is a caretaker, and the other person takes advantage or has an unhealthy attachment. Interdependence = valuing the intimacy shared with others while also maintaining a firm sense of self. Independence = being self-reliant, self-empowered, and capable of providing our own needs mentally, emotionally, physically and/or spiritually. This week's hosts, Nonye and Debo, have a conversation with classmates Rania, Eclipse, and Natalie. The 8th graders discuss independence versus codependency, focusing on trusting and relying on another person in life. Specifics include binary gender stereotype and sexist views regarding independency, societal labels and influences on our behavior surrounding trust, and the circumstances where codependency is natural and healthy versus clingy and concerning. RESOURCES Insider "What is Codependency?" Mental Health America "Characteristics of Codependent People" VeryWell Health "Codependent Relationships vs. Dependent Relationships" Tune in next week for a new topic and a new set of guests. Make sure to subscribe to keep up to date on our podcast episodes throughout the school year. Teaching insight, blog posts, and more from the Health Education classroom: LifeIsTheFuture.com