I so can hear and relate to the frustration with this. I think people know not what they say at times and are looking for a bit of sympathy or just empathy with how they are feeling in the moment. What seems like exaggeration, sometimes, is the only way to express the misery they are experiencing and that can get them to a place where someone pays attention if they are feeling out of sorts and alone in their misery. This kind of coping mechanism can be so frustrating to deal with definitely. However, I have found patience, understanding, and kindness to be better teachers to break this habit and to help with reeducation for better coping mechanisms and to say what they really feel and need.