a meeting for "co-dependents''.

Co-dependency has been described as a disease of immaturity caused by childhood trauma which disables people from maintaining functional relationships with themselves and others.

But group leader Mrs. Garrison made it clear that co-dependency is an umbrella term which can encompass people from families where there has been alcohol, sexual, drug abuse or low self-esteem.

"Co-dependents tend to be workaholics, have eating disorders and support addictions of drugs and alcohol,'' Mrs. Garrison said. "They run their lives in an excessive manner.'' But she added: "People must remember that even in a family with no drug or alcohol abuse, co-dependency may occur.'' Mrs. Garrison stressed that not all co-dependents know they have a problem.

"If you have problems dealing with anger, if you grew up with low self-esteem, if you have trouble with relationships, if perfectionism is everything or if you are easily taken advantage of and are too nice, these traits may be a sign of co-dependency,'' she said.

"We must unlearn old behaviour,'' she added. "Concentration on feeling good, setting healthy boundaries and maintaining an equilibrium with ourselves and people around us is vital.'' Mrs. Garrison said she felt it was important that the public should know that the first six years of a child's life are the most critical in terms of the children forming a picture of themselves in their heads.

"Put-downs make a child feel worthless,'' she pointed out. "They become what they are told, and damages are difficult to reverse.

Because of the lack of knowledge generally about co-dependency, Mrs. Garrison has invited all who may exhibit co-dependency signs to weekly meetings held by the group at Peace Lutheran Church, in Paget, on Sundays. The meetings begin at 7.30 p.m. and are confidential and free.

Mrs. Sancia Garrison