Everybody occasionally craves attention. Humans have a fundamental need to be acknowledged and praised. Needing attention, on the other hand, implies that you require the attention and approval of others to operate. You could engage in attention-seeking actions due to your drive to be noticed.
Wanting attention from friends, family, and people you like is entirely acceptable, but craving it all the time is harmful. It could also be a symptom of a deeper mental health issue.
Signs That You Need Others’ Attention
People that want attention frequently display a variety of behaviors, including:
- Faking helplessness. One way those with attention-seeking tendencies act is by acting helpless in circumstances they can handle. They have a way of getting other people’s attention by seeming helpless.
- Causing conflict. Causing conflict in public or private to create a scene that will garner attention from the people around you. They’ll often also need to be at the center of the conflict.
- Often seeking pity from others. This conduct includes making a minor injury worse so your loved ones may care for you. Or showing excessive grief over a little loss, such as a beloved handbag or pair of shoes.
- Needing to receive praise. It’s common to desire to receive praise. However, if you constantly seek glory, you can use harmful habits to win others over. Sometimes the need to get compliments stems from insecurity. However, chasing praise is a negative coping strategy for insecurities.
- Lying and embellishing stories. Making up over-the-top stories guaranteed to get a reaction out of people is another way people who need attention may behave.
Attention-Seeking Behavior’s Root Causes
Insecurity and Low Self-Esteem
Physical and emotional insecurities can cause a person to develop an attention-seeking personality. While it may seem harmless, it’s an unhealthy way to deal with insecurities. It can also cause strain on your relationships with family, friends, and even strangers.
Personality Disorders
Attention-seeking conduct may also be a symptom of some personality disorders. Particularly those who suffer from borderline or narcissistic personality disorders frequently engage in attention-seeking actions.
Along with having strong emotional reactions, attention-seeking activities are one of the main signs of a person with a histrionic personality disorder.
Other mental health issues, including ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar illness, may also lead to attention-seeking behaviors in a person.
How to Quit Seeking Other People’s Attention
Recognizing that you engage in attention-seeking actions is the first step towards stopping your demand for attention. Some people who need help don’t understand the implications of their actions or that they are unhealthy.
One of the most critical initial steps to helping you stop desiring attention is enhancing your self-confidence and getting rid of insecurities.
These are some techniques for boosting confidence:
- Go to therapy. Speaking to a professional is the most effective method to overcome doubts and boost confidence. They’ll assist you in identifying the source of your insecurities and learning how to get rid of them. A psychotherapist can help you if the cause of your attention-seeking conduct is also the consequence of a mental health issue.
- Keep a journal. You may overcome your attention-seeking behaviors by increasing your self-awareness of them. Tracking your habits in a daily notebook might help you become more self-aware.
- Boost your confidence. Low self-esteem is a common cause of the drive to be the focus of attention. However, attention-seeking actions are useless for boosting your sense of self-worth. An excellent way to start is by using daily positive affirmations and surrounding oneself with really encouraging individuals.
How to Handle Someone Who Always Needs Attention
You can assist a friend or loved one who always craves attention in realizing that they don’t need it.
The most significant ways to let folks who want attention all the time know that their actions are detrimental are as follows:
- Set boundaries. A person’s constant demand for attention is only fueled by giving in to their whims. When kids engage in attention-seeking activities, setting firm limits can help children understand that their conduct is wrong.
- Interact with them. People seeking attention may occasionally be unaware that their actions are drawing notice. Take them aside and politely point out any problems you see.
- Be compassionate. People who act out for attention frequently have deeper motivations behind their behavior. They could struggle with self-esteem or image issues and an underlying mental health disease.
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This article was co-written with a therapist from Sensera — a self-help app that provides daily CBT audio sessions and exercises. The app helps people deal with a variety of mental issues (anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship problems). Download now to become happier!
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
