WHY PEOPLE SEEK ATTENTION
All humans require attention. Without getting and giving attention, one cannot have humanity, as a social species. Attention is necessary for life and it can be the difference between life and death in some cases. Thus, not getting attention can threaten the quality and sustainability of human life. However, excessive attention seekers go to unhealthy lengths which are in most cases driven by emotions.
ATTENTION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR:
Attention seeking is a conscious or unconscious attempt to become the center of attention, sometimes to gain validation and/or admiration. Attention seeking can become manipulative. It can be passive aggressive, and severe. It can push people away, strain relationships, ruin friendships, or ruin both all together.
WHAT ATTENTION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR LOOKS LIKE:
Attention seeking behaviour can include saying or doing something with the goal of getting the attention of a person or a group of people. Examples of this behaviour include:
Fishing for compliments by pointing out achievements and seeking validation from them.
Being controversial to provoke a reaction.
Exaggerating and embellishing stories to gain praise or sympathy.
Pretending to be unable to do something so someone will teach, help, or watch the attempt to do it.
ATTENTION SEEKING DISORDER:
WHAT CAUSES ATTENTION SEEKING DISORDER:
Attention Seeking Disorder can be driven by the following:
Jealousy
Low Self Esteem
Loneliness
Attention Seeking Disorder is a type of Cluster B Personality Disorders and can encompass the following:
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Other Mental Disorders
HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH ATTENTION SEEKING DISORDER:
NOTE: People who are exhibiting Attention Seeking Disorder are coming from a place of suffering or are experiencing a mental health disturbance.
There are ways you can help someone suffering from Attention Seeking Disorder:
The best way is to talk to them from a place of compassion. When someone seems to need constant attention, they are experiencing a lack of self worth.
Ty to tell them matter of factly what you are observing and ask what you can do to help. Ask them what they are dealing with, tell them they are loved and supported.
If they are experiencing Depression or experiencing Bi-Polar Disorder, having a friend to talk to might not be enough. Help them understand that psychological help may be necessary and help them find it.
IF YOU, YOURSELF, NEED HELP FROM ATTENTION SEEKING DISORDER:
First step is to realize there is something wrong.
Seek Therapy or counseling. If you are suicidal, seek immediate care. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is a good way to talk to someone. 988
If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911
DRAMA ADDICTION(EXCESSIVE ATTENTION SEEKING):
Excessive attention seeking is a "brain wire" problem. It is a response from early developmental trauma caused by neglect. This brain wire malfunction teaches the brain to observer its environment and wires itself as a means of survival in a world the brain perceives will be lik e those experiences.
Excessive attention seeking makes the brain secrete endomorphines which are pain suppressing and pleasure inducing compounds. People who abuse substances, alcohol, or food, are more prone to drama addiction(excessive attention seeking).
Using Drama as a drug feels good so it seems rewarding. The reward is dopamine, the brain's happy drug. The more dopamine the brain pumps out, the more the brain wants more of it. This leads the brain to fall into a behaviour of causing one to act in a way so the brain gets the dopamine it craves. The Drama Addiction takes control over logical thinking, leaving room for cognitive dissonance.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Drama Addiction. You will never be able to alter how your brain has developed and its hard wiring. You also cannot erase the past of early life trauma. You have to learn to manage and be aware of your behaviour. Seek help if you understand there is a real problem.
