It sounds like your parents were pretty wrapped up in their own struggles and didn't give you the time, attention, love, validation, etc. that all of us need. That's a very hard way to grow up, and it makes sense that you would feel like something is wrong. Attention is a legitimate human need, by the way. We all need to be cared about, and to be a part of something, and for someone to know that we exist. The way that you feel is real.

There are no easy answers, but you can go through your life or your psyche and find the pieces that are missing, and work on filling them in. Part of what is missing is love and caring and relationship with others, so you will need someone to fill those empty places in your life. If you haven't considered therapy, that would probably be a good place to start.

Although parents do the best that they are capable of doing, for the most part, there are still a great many of us who didn't receive the parenting that we needed. You're not alone. I relate to your post too. I hope that you can find your answers. Be good to yourself as you search for them.