Receiving the praise and approval of others is one of the natural human desires, and few people do not want the attention of others. However, attention-seeking is different from receiving attention, which means that the attention-seeking person cannot do anything without obtaining the approval and admiration of others. Therefore, he may put himself on fire to get the attention of others and will not stop doing attention-seeking work.
attention seeking disorder
Although the desire to receive attention from friends, relatives, or other admired people is entirely normal and natural, the constant need to receive attention cannot be considered healthy behavior. One can even further claim that mental disorders may cause such behavior.
Signs of an attention seeker
Some attention-seeking people sometimes do not even know they are repeating attention-seeking behaviors. This group reveals their inner desire to receive attention in different ways. In the following, we examine some common behaviors of attention-seeking people.
1. Pretending to be helpless
One of the tricks of people suffering from attention seeking is to pretend to be helpless, even when they can easily cope with things. This deceitful behavior and trying to win the pity of others becomes the reason for these people to receive the attention of others.
2. Starting a fight
Inflaming the fire of wars and conflicts in public or private environments is one of the other methods of attention seekers to get the attention and approval of others. They usually try to put themselves in the center of the conflict to get the most attention.
3. Thirst to receive compliments
No healthy person dislikes compliments, but the constant thirst to accept others’ praise at any cost is unhealthy. Sometimes this thirst for compliments originates from a person’s sense of insecurity. However, striving for approval and admiration is not a healthy and normal way to overcome insecurity.
4. Telling lies and making up stories
Absurd but attractive stories, or as the street and market people call them, “emptiness,” are other methods of attention seekers to receive approval and praise from others.
5. Constantly trying to win the sympathy of others
For example, an attention-seeking person magnifies the pain caused by an injury or a superficial wound so much that he buys the caress of his family members or those around him. Or because of a slight loss in buying a bag or even his favorite shoes, he complains so much that others are forced to comfort him.
Reasons for attention-seeking behavior in people
Several factors work hand in hand to lead to the formation of attention-seeking behavior in a person. Next, we look at some of the reasons behind this unhealthy behavior.
1. Feeling insecure and having low self-esteem
Exposure to physical and emotional insecurities may enhance attention-seeking in individuals. Although attention-seeking may not seem harmful initially, it is a very unhealthy way to deal with insecurity. In addition, such a trait may cause tension in a person’s relationships with his family, friends, or even strangers.
2. Personality disorders
Several diseases and personality disorders may also lead to attention-seeking behavior. People with narcissistic personality or borderline personality disorder usually engage in attention-seeking actions.
One of the primary symptoms of people with a histrionic personality disorder is their attention-seeking behavior in addition to emotional solid and emotional reactions.
Suffering from other complications, such as hyperactivity ( ADHD ), anxiety, and bipolar, may also lead a person to show attention-seeking behavior.
How to get rid of attention-seeking?
The first step to getting rid of attention-seeking is to know whether we are exhibiting attention-seeking behaviors. Some people constantly seeking attention are unaware of the meaning of their behavior and do not even know that such behavior is highly unhealthy and abnormal.
Reviving and rebuilding self-confidence and getting rid of insecurity is the next important step, which probably reduces the attention-seeking person’s thirst for receiving praise from others.
But do you know how to rebuild your self-confidence? In the following, we present several methods.
1. See a psychiatrist
Talking to a professional counselor is the best way to get rid of insecurity and restore self-confidence. A good therapist can discover the roots of your insecurity and give you the best way to eliminate them. If the source of your attention-seeking behavior is a particular psychological condition, a psychotherapist can still help you.
2. Do not neglect daily writing
The more aware you are of attention-seeking behaviors, the better you can overcome them. Writing a diary, keeping a journal, or “journaling,” as social media users call it, can increase your self-awareness. You can discuss your concerns with your therapist if unsure whether a particular behavior is attention-seeking.
3. Restore your self-esteem
Low self-esteem is another main reason for attention-seeking disorder. Although attention-seekers struggle to be the center of attention all their lives, they never heal the deep wounds of their self-esteem. However, constructive self-talk and being in supportive environments can help you overcome attention-seeking.
How to deal with an attention seeker?
If one of your friends or loved ones is attention-seeking and constantly wants to be the center of attention, you can help him to realize his unhealthy behavior. You can remind attention-seekers that they are exhibiting harmful behavior with the help of a few methods discussed below.
1. Set a boundary
If you agree with someone constantly seeking your attention or admiration, or, to put it mildly, lullabying, you are fanning the flames of their desire for attention. At times like this, set aside compliments and let the attention seeker understand that he is exhibiting inappropriate behavior.
2. Don’t neglect socializing with him
Sometimes the attention-seeking person does not know he is exhibiting attention-seeking behavior. In these cases, it is better to take the line of words and make him realize this unhealthy behavior with a pleasant expression.
3. understand him
The problem of attention-seeking people often goes beyond the struggle to gain the admiration of others, and an old mental disorder, such as low self-esteem or having an unpleasant image of oneself in the minds of others, may be behind the scenes.
final word
Attention-seeking is one of those unhealthy behaviors that plague many people in society. In addition to being considered a behavioral disorder, it may indicate an underlying mental illness. If you are suffering from this disorder, you must go to professional counselors and psychotherapists, and if you have already managed to treat this disorder, please share your experience with us and other readers.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
