[Fuzzybear]

What exactly is "attention seeking"?

This has me curious

Is going to a therapist because we want attention from the therapist? I would hope we go to a therapist to work on our issues, but sometimes they also give us positive attention (at least I would hope they do)

If we are fortunate enough to have any family, I would hope they give us positive encouragement rather than negativity and blame although sadly this clearly isn't always the case

And what about posting here?

I know that I post for support and feedback..

Does anyone ever post just for "attention"?

I don't think I've known such a person

[Wila]

Couldn't agree more!

[MickeyCheeky]

I sometimes feel like I'm just doing it for the attention and it makes me feel guilty Perhaps I shouldn't be here at all..

I don't think any of the people here at PC are doing it for attention though: many don't have a lot of support in real life, so they seek it here. It's perfectly understandable to me

[mountainstream]

Good post Fuzzybear.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by MickeyCheeky

many don't have a lot of support in real life, so they seek it here.

This agrees with my observations.

Fuzzybear, I don't think anyone here posts just for attention.

[Frankbtl]

Hi Fuzzy

To me, when people use that term in a "problematic" context, this should be one of the kinds of thing they should alluding to:
https://psychcentral.com/disorders/h...rder-symptoms/
which can obviously also be problematic for the individual.............
Otherwise I would say that the term can be grossly abused by some people.
Seeking others attention or wanting or needing to be heard/reaching out/seeking, needing or wanting support/expressing or sharing feelings/ranting or letting out feelings or emotions etc can all be good things, can all be positive or helpful or natural or "healthy" things and when people can do that it if/when they need to it/they should be honoured and commended.........without attention seeking or seeking others attention being used in a negative context..........**** if someone needs that I'm glad that they find the ability in themselves to seek attention/seek others attention by speaking out...........

Just some thoughts...........



Alison

[Sunflower123]

(((((Fuzzy)))))

[sugarbeeMe]

Well, we all need attention. Nothing wrong with asking for attention. Sometimes it's hard for me to be honest about my neediness, and then everything gets so confusing.

[Krow]

My sibling for quite a long time was emotionally dependent, often exaggerating or faking injuries or illnesses for the sake of pity. Generally I would not assume this onto someone, except for something that she once stated while in crutches after a rather insignificant injury: "I like the pity." She generally lacked emotional independence, and it became quite evident to my immediate family later on. Fortunately, she did eventually acquire more independence, and the issue rarely arises anymore when I see her on the odd occasion.

Ironically enough, I ultimately suffered the polar opposite problem to hers and still do. When I was little, I was extraordinarily shy and could hardly manage a conversation with an adult, aside from my parents. As I aged, I became more reserved, even from my immediate family. On the contrary, I did eventually lose my shy attitude, though I was still certainly not outgoing. To the large extent, I commonly conceal injuries or illnesses, and I have not visited a doctor in quite a long time. Around the beginning of high school, I did begin losing some motivation towards my work, and my mother did have me visit a psychiatrist, though minimized as much information concerning myself as possible about myself. The only place in which I am ever capable of expressing myself fully is online, where my identity is entirely anonymous. Even among my closest friends, I cannot bring myself to express myself in the entirety. This world is so foreign to me, as though I live here as a mere spectator day after day. There exists no sentiment for me, yet I can merely dream about a life in another time and place. I have searched time and time again, yet I cannot ever find even a single individual who shares the same thought process, unless they too have deliberately concealed it as well. Honestly, I am not entirely sure how others manage to find it in themselves to share something so intimate with others, especially their weaknesses or flaws. Sharing such a burden with others seems so discomforting and so abstract, that I am frankly astonished that so many individuals manage.

[subtle lights]

I think attention seeking means that someone is really hurting and needs to be seen an heard. At least here, or related to mental health issues. And that is very understandable, "seeking attention" is normal and needed.
Otherwise I don't know, if someone wants to "seek attention" because, I don't know, they want to be famous, or they are completely lying about things, that's another situation.
But if someone is feeling unwell and wants to be heard that's not something that should be dismissed.