It’s true. As many people often say to those speaking up about their struggles with mental health; I am an attention seeker.
I’m seeking someone to pay attention to my mental health and perhaps prescribe me medicine to make it better. (Like a doctor.)
I am seeking someone to pay attention to me speaking and ask me questions about my mental health; perhaps get me to open up and be honest about my symptoms. (Like a therapist.)
I am seeking attention to my feelings and someone to react appropriately; with love and compassion, maybe a hug. (Like family members.)
I am seeking attention to my social life. Someone to be there when I’m lonely and maybe see a movie with me. (Like a friend.)
I’m seeking attention to my truth, acceptance and understanding for a condition I didn’t ask for and makes parts of my life unbearable. (Like the general population.)
I am seeking attention and there’s NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT.
A horrifying number of people are dying by suicide every day because they don’t want to be “attention seekers.” Please stop acting like wanting and needing attention is a negative thing. It’s actually just human nature.
Thank you. DQ
Whole heartedly agree with your post. Everyone looks for the best way to get their needs met, and yet when we, with mental health problems try to get our needs met we are seeking attention.
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I’m not the type that needs attention, I just want others to leave me alone.🤪
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Thank you for this. People need to understand it!
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Nice. I agree with all of that.
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Keep writing, please. You are worth it.
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Me too! xoxo
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What a great post, so helpful. Especially noting how you need different kinds of attention from different sources. I think sometimes friends or family members think they need to be therapists or doctors. And sometimes people think they can get everything they need from one person.
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This is perfect, my husband or ex always is saying to me that I am an attention seeker, that I depend of other people to live, that I have to find happiness on myself, focus in me and just in me, that I cannot live waiting for the support of others. That I should not need to be kissed or hugged all the time. Maybe I am going through a lot, all what you described here. People can save lives and they do not know it.
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Best post ever! Thanks! Some people who use such terms don’t realize what jerks they are.
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Love this. I feel guilty for my depression all the time because it feels like I’m seeking attention. Thank you for this post.
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Amazing, isn’t it, that those around you just cannot understand why you are not what they think you should be. If one steps out of the box of what they think you should be, they spend their time attempting to stuff you back into that comfortable box instead of listening to you and showing compassion. Doctor wise, come to where I live. I have a great psychiatric FNP without whom I would be a disaster all the time.
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So good again, was almost nodding along as I read it. Attention needs to be paid when people are suffering and dying in silence because they fear they are just creating a scene or being a burden. We should never turn a blind eye to people when they need our help, even if they don’t explicitly ask for it. We should be ready and willing because we’re social animals and we are at our best when work together and help each other. Thanks for the good read!
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Thank you for this, you’re amazing
Keep writing.
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I hear what you’re saying. I am glad “people” that people think have it all are speaking up for help.
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Wonderful post. I imagine I am one of those “attention seekers.” I get more understanding and support from my bloggies than I have or ever will get from my so-called “family.” Even my own children ignore what they consider to be ridiculous (deep depression, PTSD) and call me a “drama queen.” They stay away from me.
I’ve sort of strayed away from writing about depression and PTSD and all the other illnesses out there that are so debilitating and so IGNORED.
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This post is a wonderful reminder that “seeking attention” is not always a negative thing. Also to you or anyone else out there who feels like doctors aren’t listening to them or taking them seriously: Find another Doctor! I know it isn’t always that easy and that barriers to healthcare are real and sometimes insurmountable. But I promise caring, compassionate doctors do exist out there so never settle for a doctor who isn’t one!
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You are right, it is all one collective drawing of attention to a problem that a lot of people deal with. Sometimes it even draws a person’s own attention to how they might be feeling. Thanks for writing, you are doing good for everyone 🙂
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Love this! You are so right and people need to stop judging.
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mental disorders are often stigmatized and ignored. But the fact is that ,they are just like any other disease.If jaundice or typhoid can be treated, so can a psychiatric disorder. Nowadays, there are wonderful scientific approaches. Even less educated or uneducated patients are becoming more and more aware and come to us to seek help. Most of them lead normal lives after treatment.
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Hi DopamineQueen.
Brilliant! This is the exact attitude we all need to have. I used to bottle things up, until the point of self combustion. You are so right when you say speaking up could save lives. Let’s all SHOUT! and let all out! I feel a “Depeche Mode” song coming on 😁👍
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Totally agreed…No better way to put it…we all need attention and companionship even from distant people.
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Thanks for saying this. It has really struck a cord. I hate it when those who really need attention because they lacked it are judged and made to feel like sick people or idiots for doing so. It is downright wrong.
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I completely agree. People don’t get us when we go it alone, people don’t get us when we ask for help. Attention seeking is totally acceptable.
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Amen to that!
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Seeking attention does not mean getting pampered or being dependent….exactly its human nature…this attention in return provides Confidence, energy, positivity, love for others..but in hard case if some one is not getting attention from outside world then they should start giving attention to themselves…no harm in saying “I m my favourite”.
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Yes! This is so, so true! I wish it were easier to talk about mental health problems!
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Wow. This post is really deep and I really needed it. I’m struggling a lot lately with my mental health and you made me realize that I’m not the problem. Society is. There’s a lack of education around mental health so people call us names, laugh at our issues thinking we’re faking it.
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Wow. This post is really deep and I really needed it. I’m struggling a lot lately with my mental health and you made me realize that I’m not the problem. Society is. There’s a lack of education around mental health so people call us names, laugh at our issues thinking we’re faking it.
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Very well said!
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Well said! A lot of us keep it hidden because we don’t want to be label as “crazy” or “dramatic” but it’s not good.
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You are one of those lucky bloggers whose followers actually have interest in reading their posts. Others people who have 2000 followers also do not receive such a great response from their following.
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I absolutely love this post! Too often people say that those suffering with their mental health are attention seekers with disdain, but all is really needed is a little empathy and compassion. Thank you for sharing this!
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Yes girl yes! This is awesome and so true! A little attention goes a long way!
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Yes girl yes! Love this! A little attention goes a long way!
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I seek attention and immediately hate it afterwards…haven’t tried to reach out in a long while. I just dont get how people are so okay with making themselves vulnerable and talking about it.
I never feel safe enough to talk about stuff…
Aaahhh I need help but fuck it XD
It also has to do with the fact how patronising it feels to be sent suicide helplines and what not. I KNOW ABOUT THEM, I KNOW HOW TO GOOGLE SEARCH THEM. WHAT PERSON WHO WANTS TO DIE WOULD ASK FOR HELP? I WANT TO DO IT, WHY WOULD I CALL SOMEONE TO TALK ME OUT OF IT??
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I love this so much
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Wow, look at all the comments here!
When I was accused of attention-seeking by my shrink decades ago, I felt insulted at the time and did not know why.
Accusations of attention-seeking is a great way to dismiss legitimate complaints, often because the listener doesn’t want to hear you or help you. It is a great silencer. It is also used as an excuse for abuse or neglect.
Some people really do act out just for the attention. We need to stop condemning these folks. Instead of bashing their behavior, we need to see the reasons why it’s happening. Almost always, once we understand the reason, and truly listen in attempt to resolve the issue, the behavior stops.
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