Codependent Doctor

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 — Emotions are messengers, not problems to fix.Rest is productive — You don’t need to earn your downtime.Boundaries protect your peace — Limits aren’t selfish, they’re essential.This episode is for anyone navigating burnout, people-pleasing, codependency, or just feeling overwhelmed by mental health advice that doesn’t reflect real life.Send me a messageYou can buy my books now on Amazon.🦋 Enough As I Am - A healing workbook for anyone navigating people-pleasing, guilt, or self-abandonment. It’s filled with practical tools to help you build boundaries and reclaim your self-worth.🖋️ Enough As I Grow - A 365-day journal with daily prompts to guide you through your healing journey one day at a time.🦋 Enough As I Am Workbook 🖋️ Enough as I Grow 365 day Guided Journal on Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. 📘 Great Books on Codependency 📰 Sign up for my Newsletter 🛜 My Website DrAngelaDowney Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.comSocial Media links: Here🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement

If you’ve always been “the strong one,” this episode on emotional neglect may explain why relationships still feel hard.Emotional neglect isn’t about what happened, but what didn’t.Your needs were likely invisibleYou learned to be low-maintenance to feel lovedYou felt “too much” for having emotionsThis early conditioning creates:CodependencyPeople-pleasingAttraction to emotionally unavailable partnersAt the root is a quiet belief: “If I had just been better, they would have loved me.”Healing begins when you stop trying to be chosen—and start choosing yourself.Send me a messageYou can buy my books now on Amazon.🦋 Enough As I Am - A healing workbook for anyone navigating people-pleasing, guilt, or self-abandonment. It’s filled with practical tools to help you build boundaries and reclaim your self-worth.🖋️ Enough As I Grow - A 365-day journal with daily prompts to guide you through your healing journey one day at a time. If you're interested in a list of books that I recommend to help you on your journey you can request it by clicking on the link in my show notes.🦋 Enough As I Am Workbook 🖋️ Enough as I Grow 365 day Guided Journal on Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. 📘 Great Books on Codependency 📰 Sign up for my Newsletter 🛜 My Website DrAngelaDowney Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.comSocial Media links: Here🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement

Ever felt overwhelmed but told yourself, "it's not that bad"? This discussion dives into high-functioning distress, where people seem fine while battling hidden exhaustion. Dr. Downey shares a personal wake-up call about the importance of recognizing mental health needs. She emphasizes that those who please others often overlook their own well-being. Listeners learn that prioritizing mental health is crucial, just like regular check-ups for our physical health, and that it's okay to acknowledge both gratitude and struggle at the same time.

In this episode, I unpack love bombing—those intense early displays of affection that can feel amazing but often mask emotional manipulation.I share a personal story (yes, I introduced someone to my family after one date!) to show how easy it is to confuse intensity with connection.We explore:What love bombing looks likeWhy it’s so effective (especially for those with unmet emotional needs)Red flags like pressure, overwhelm, and mismatched words vs. actionsHealthy love respects your pace. This episode will help you spot manipulation and protect your heart.Send me a messageYou can buy my books now on Amazon.🦋 Enough As I Am - A healing workbook for anyone navigating people-pleasing, guilt, or self-abandonment. It’s filled with practical tools to help you build boundaries and reclaim your self-worth.🖋️ Enough As I Grow - A 365-day journal with daily prompts to guide you through your healing journey one day at a time. If you're interested in a list of books that I recommend to help you on your journey you can request it by clicking on the link in my show notes.🦋 Enough As I Am Workbook 🖋️ Enough as I Grow 365 day Guided Journal on Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. 📘 Great Books on Codependency 📰 Sign up for my Newsletter 🛜 My Website DrAngelaDowney Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.comSocial Media links: Here🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement

We often think healing requires big life changes—but the most powerful mental health shifts often come from small, consistent habits.In this Mental Health Awareness Month bonus episode, I share six mindset shifts that helped me heal from codependency and burnout.Pausing before saying yesSpeaking to myself with more kindnessSetting quiet boundariesEmbracing rest without guiltThese aren’t dramatic changes—they’re small, sustainable practices that help you show up for yourself day by day. Healing starts with one small habit.Send me a messageYou can buy my books now on Amazon.🦋 Enough As I Am - A healing workbook for anyone navigating people-pleasing, guilt, or self-abandonment. It’s filled with practical tools to help you build boundaries and reclaim your self-worth.🖋️ Enough As I Grow - A 365-day journal with daily prompts to guide you through your healing journey one day at a time.🦋 Enough As I Am Workbook 🖋️ Enough as I Grow 365 day Guided Journal on Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. 📘 Great Books on Codependency 📰 Sign up for my Newsletter 🛜 My Website DrAngelaDowney Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.comSocial Media links: Here🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement

In this episode, I explore the silent treatment—why it’s used, how it hurts, and how to recognize it as emotional withdrawal, not healthy conflict resolution.We cover:How the silent treatment triggers shame, anxiety, and confusionWhy some people use it (control, immaturity, learned behavior)The lasting damage it causes in relationshipsI share personal stories and offer tools to:Set boundariesRecognize your worthReflect on your own conflict patternsSilence shouldn’t be used as a weapon. Healthier communication is possible.Send me a messageYou can buy my books now on Amazon.🦋 Enough As I Am - A healing workbook for anyone navigating people-pleasing, guilt, or self-abandonment. It’s filled with practical tools to help you build boundaries and reclaim your self-worth.🖋️ Enough As I Grow - A 365-day journal with daily prompts to guide you through your healing journey one day at a time. If you're interested in a list of books that I recommend to help you on your journey you can request it by clicking on the link in my show notes.🦋 Enough As I Am Workbook 🖋️ Enough as I Grow 365 day Guided Journal on Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. 📘 Great Books on Codependency 📰 Sign up for my Newsletter 🛜 My Website DrAngelaDowney Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.comSocial Media links: Here🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement

What does mental health care look like between therapy sessions and diagnoses?In this Mental Health Awareness Month episode, I explore the daily habits that support emotional well-being—especially for those of us with codependent tendencies.We cover:Why your “lizard brain” still jumps to worst-case scenariosHow asking “what do I need today?” can feel hard but healingSmall practices that build resilience: saying no, resting early, and pausing to breatheMental health isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about showing up for yourself daily—with compassion, not crisis.Send me a messageYou can buy my books now on Amazon.🦋 Enough As I Am - A healing workbook for anyone navigating people-pleasing, guilt, or self-abandonment. It’s filled with practical tools to help you build boundaries and reclaim your self-worth.🖋️ Enough As I Grow - A 365-day journal with daily prompts to guide you through your healing journey one day at a time.🦋 Enough As I Am Workbook 🖋️ Enough as I Grow 365 day Guided Journal on Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. 📘 Great Books on Codependency 📰 Sign up for my Newsletter 🛜 My Website DrAngelaDowney Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.comSocial Media links: Here🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement

In this episode, I explore what happens when we lose ourselves in the roles we play—doctor, parent, caregiver—and forget who we are beyond them.We cover:How tying self-worth to titles leads to burnout and identity lossSocietal pressure to equate value with productivityMy personal journey of redefining myself outside of being “just a doctor”I share practical ways to reconnect with your true self:Spend time aloneRevisit forgotten joysAsk: Who am I beyond what I do?You are enough—just as you are. It’s time to reclaim your authentic self.Send me a messageYou can buy my books now on Amazon.🦋 Enough As I Am - A healing workbook for anyone navigating people-pleasing, guilt, or self-abandonment. It’s filled with practical tools to help you build boundaries and reclaim your self-worth.🖋️ Enough As I Grow - A 365-day journal with daily prompts to guide you through your healing journey one day at a time.🦋 Enough As I Am Workbook 🖋️ Enough as I Grow 365 day Guided Journal on Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. 📘 Great Books on Codependency 📰 Sign up for my Newsletter 🛜 My Website DrAngelaDowney Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.comSocial Media links: Here🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement

Healing often brings a surprising companion: loneliness. As you set boundaries and seek healthier connections, some relationships may fade, leaving room for self-discovery. Embrace this solitude instead of fearing it; it can spark creativity and joy. Reconnect with hobbies and let curiosity guide you through this transition. Ultimately, loneliness isn't a punishment—it's a pathway to more authentic relationships and a fulfilling life. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

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 and self-awareness, rather than judgment, as we explore how victim mode manifests in our lives and how we can begin to shift out of it.I start by defining victim mode as a mindset where individuals feel as though life is constantly happening to them, leading to a sense of helplessness and resentment. This mindset can stem from real experiences of trauma, emotional neglect, or feeling unheard, and it often results in a long-term identity that can be difficult to break free from. I emphasize that while many listeners may have valid reasons for their pain, it’s crucial to recognize when that pain transforms into a belief that nothing will ever change.Throughout the episode, I highlight the signs of being stuck in victim mode, such as feeling like nothing works out, blaming others for our circumstances, and retelling painful stories that define our identities. I encourage listeners to approach these signs with curiosity rather than shame, recognizing that they are often survival strategies learned in response to past experiences.I also discuss how victim mode can impact our relationships, leading to feelings of being taken advantage of, expecting others to read our minds, and avoiding direct communication. These patterns can create a cycle of disconnection and disappointment, even when those around us are not intentionally trying to hurt us.As we move into the healing portion of the episode, I share practical steps for shifting out of victim mode. I emphasize the importance of acknowledging our experiences without shame and encourage listeners to ask themselves, "What is still in my control?" This question can help reclaim a sense of agency in situations where we may feel powerless.I introduce the concept of "tiny acts of power," which are small, everyday decisions that reinforce our ability to choose and assert our needs. Examples include saying no without over-explaining, asking for help without apologizing, and prioritizing our own comfort. These actions, while seemingly minor, can significantly impact our sense of self and empowerment.Finally, I encourage listeners to shift their mindset from "Why is this happening to me?" to "What can I learn from this?" This reframing allows for growthSend me a messageYou can buy my books now on Amazon.🦋 Enough As I Am - A healing workbook for anyone navigating people-pleasing, guilt, or self-abandonment. It’s filled with practical tools to help you build boundaries and reclaim your self-worth.🖋️ Enough As I Grow - A 365-day journal with daily prompts to guide you through your healing journey one day at a time. If you're interested in a list of books that I recommend to help you on your journey you can request it by clicking on the link in my show notes.🦋 Enough As I Am Workbook 🖋️ Enough as I Grow 365 day Guided Journal on Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. 📘 Great Books on Codependency 📰 Sign up for my Newsletter 🛜 My Website DrAngelaDowney Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.comSocial Media links: Here🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement