[MusicLover82]

Do other bipolar folks feel a constant need for attention and/or support and it's just really hard to get it? It could just be my personality. I also have OCD pretty bad.

For example, I'm trying to start losing more weight (I need to lose at least 30 or 40 lbs), and I've had a really hard time getting people to support me and encourage my efforts on Facebook with showing before/after pics of my weight loss so far and talking about healthy foods, exercise, etc. I especially wish my best friend would show some support by liking my stuff but she won't.

I probably sound totally ridiculous, and I can be needy sometimes, but please be kind with some genuine suggestions on how to deal with this. My need for attention has become almost a compulsion I guess. I may need to give up Facebook... :-/

[coolbeans82]

Maybe you should if you feel that strongley about needing so much attention....if you need to lose weight only you can stop you not your friend ,or husband ,an just cuz someone is bipolar does it mean they need attention.People can sometimes be cruel out spite out of anger or just panic someone can do or say things an not realize the impact it will have on a person....an it sounds like your friend has some empathy issues the ability to at least try an see where someone else is coming from..... if it bothers you talk to her , dont demand she be your therapist for whatever whim you feel to impos.... maybe she has a kid an a crazy husband having troubles, maybe she has an over bearing mother or maybe like all of us you have all those things an just need to talk in a setting not to be made to feel bad bout things that make you feel bad be kind understanding an no ego or spite they probably still won't take the time to see you just needed to know they care not make their whole life you an what you need

[Slightlydelusional]

Congrats on the hard work to lose the weight!! I lost a lot of weight last year but gained half of it back the last few months and want to get going with my diet and exercise starting now!

I feel the same way and need the attention/support but have given up on Facebook as not getting the support and feel bad about it. I think if you could find a weight-loss forum or maybe over on the success forum here you could great feedback and support.

[Sunflower123]

Congrats on your hard work losing weight. Can you have a heart-to-heart with your best friend about providing more support through this difficult endeavor. Same with your husband. In addition, you could seek out a therapist to delve into why you need so much attention. Best wishes.

[SkitsDoubt]

MusicLover: Congrats and continued success!! Have you joined the support forum for weight loss right here on Bipolar? It's now on the third page.

I had to give up Facebook. I miss being current on activities of close family; otherwise, it's a tremendous, calming RELIEF.

[raspberrytorte]

Good job trying to lose weight! I'm in the same boat right now. Except I'm having some motivation issues, and I can't stop eating chocolate!

I'm not getting much support in losing weight either. My husband is always happy when I eat. He always says things like, you don't need to lose weight! And I feel that I do.

Anyway, so you have support on here!

[Unrigged64072835]

Good job and best of luck on losing the weight.

Is there like a void inside you that you're trying to fill with the attention-seeking? A therapist could help you with that.

[Wild Coyote]

Needing attention is not a part of my experience with bipolar illness.

I have known people who need a lot of attention and feel unsupported if they don't get the attention they feel they need. You are not alone. I agree that a therapist might be helpful should you want to discover more about this aspect of yourself.

Congrats on setting weight-loss goals and acting upon them. Weight-loss can be very challenging. It's a challenge to change lifestyle. It can be done, however. Please chat with your best friend and tell her you'd like some support.

There is a weight-loss (diet) thread here on this forum as well.
Good luck!

WC

[lilypup]

I agree to seek support on here.

Facebook in general I think can be devastating to people with MI. If I were you (and of course I am not) I would give it up for a while and see how you feel. I got to the point where if I saw one more happy family on vacation I was going to barf.

I am trying to lose weight and know how hard it can be. Congratulations on your efforts!

[vjdragonfly]

I haven't got the wise words like many of the others but congrats on working to lose weight.

[GoldenSnitch]

I'm sorry that you're having a hard time. But congratulations on making healthier life choices!! I am currently doing the same and my weight loss isn't going as I'd hoped so it can be a bit discouraging.

As for your question about needing support and validation, I don't know if it is related to bipolar disorder but I am the exact same way. If I was in your situation and my best friend wasn't offering support I'd be really bothered by it. So I don't really have any advice on that one. I can just commiserate.

Good luck with your continued healthy path and I hope that you find the support that you need. Big hugs