## min read

What is Attention-Seeking Behavior?

By

Sonia Garcia

|

April 29, 2025

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What is Attention-Seeking Behavior?

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Attention-seeking behavior are ways individuals express their need for connection, validation, or reassurance. Such behavior can manifest in different ways, from exaggerated emotionality and dramatization of events to provocative statements or unusual dress.

To a greater or lesser extent, attention-seeking behavior is inherent in all people. It is a natural part of human nature. We are all social beings; recognition and acceptance are basic psychological needs. However, the intensity of this need varies considerably depending on age and life circumstances.

In children, attention-seeking behavior is a normal stage of development. Babies may cry loudly, become cranky, or throw tantrums. This is their way of trying to get their parent's attention. As they grow older, most people learn to get the attention they need in socially acceptable ways. However, in times of stress or uncertainty, even adults may resort to more overt forms of attention-seeking.

During adolescence, attention-seeking often intensifies. This is due to identity formation and increased sensitivity to peer opinion. In adulthood, this behavior usually becomes more restrained. But, it can become more active during life crises or when social interaction is lacking.

Is Attention-Seeking Behavior a Sign of a Disorder?

It is essential to distinguish between normal attention-seeking behavior and pathological attention-seeking behavior. Typical behavior of this kind:

  • Is situational and not persistent
  • Does not significantly disrupt daily life and relationships
  • The person is usually aware of their motives
  • Does not cause significant distress to the person or others.

Pathological attention-seeking behavior, on the other hand, is characterized by:

  • Persistent and compulsive
  • Serious impairment of social and professional functioning
  • Inability to control impulses
  • Extreme distress at not receiving the desired attention
  • Willingness to take extreme measures to get attention

Associated Mental Health Disorders

Excessive attention-seeking can be a symptom of a variety of mental disorders:

  • Histrionic personality disorder. This problem is characterized by excessive emotionality, theatricality, and constant attention-seeking. People with this disorder often dramatize events. They may use provocative behavior and seek to be the center of attention.
  • Borderline personality disorder. It can also manifest itself in intense attention-seeking behavior, often associated with fear of loneliness and abandonment.
  • Narcissistic personality disorder. In this problem, attention-seeking is accompanied by a grandiose sense of self and a need for constant admiration.
  • Anxiety disorders. These sometimes manifest themselves through attention-seeking behavior to gain validation and reassurance.
  • Bipolar disorder. This problem during manic episodes may be accompanied by increased attention-seeking behavior.
  • Oppositional-defiant disorder. In children and adolescents, oppositional defiant disorder often manifests itself through attention-seeking behavior, including deliberate rule-breaking.

What Drives People to Seek Attention?

The origins of attention-seeking are diverse and may have several factors:

Psychological factors:

  • Low self-esteem and the need for external validation of one's worth
  • Feelings of insecurity and lack of recognition
  • Unmet need for intimacy and acceptance

Social factors:

  • Cultural norms that encourage individualism and social visibility
  • A competitive environment where attention means success
  • Modeling the behavior of significant others

Environmental factors:

  • Childhood experiences, especially if parental attention was inconsistent or conditioned
  • Traumatic experiences that create a need for validation and safety
  • The influence of social media, where attention is measured by likes and followers

Neurobiological studies show that receiving social attention activates the reward system in the brain. This triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and habit formation. This explains why attention-seeking can become self-reinforcing.

With social media, seeking attention has become easier than ever, sometimes turning likes and shares into a measure of self-worth. At Amae Health, we understand that attention-seeking behaviors often stem from deeper emotional needs. Our approach focuses on helping individuals identify these underlying factors and develop healthier ways to seek connection.

Attention-Seeking vs. Histrionic Personality Disorder

Differentiating Between the Two

Although attention-seeking is a key component of histrionic personality disorder, these concepts are not identical.

Attention seeking can be:

  • A temporary state in response to certain circumstances
  • Part of a normal behavioral repertoire
  • Moderate and not significantly problematic
  • Recognized and controlled

Histrionic personality disorder is a persistent pattern of internal experience and behavior that:

  • Is present continuously rather than situationally
  • Appears in all areas of life
  • Causes significant difficulties in social adjustment
  • It is accompanied by symptoms other than attention seeking.

Diagnostic Criteria for HPD

According to the DSM-5, histrionic personality disorder is diagnosed when at least five of the following criteria are present:

  • Discomfort in situations where the person is not the center of attention
  • Interactions with others are often characterized by inappropriate, sexually seductive, or provocative behavior
  • Rapidly changing and superficial expressions of emotion
  • Constant use of appearance to attract attention
  • Speech is overly impressionistic and lacking in detail
  • Demonstrative, theatrical, and exaggerated expression of emotion
  • Suggestibility, easily influenced by other people or circumstances
  • Perceiving relationships as more intimate than they really are

Impacts of Attention-Seeking Behavior

Attention-seeking behavior can seriously affect personal relationships:

  • Create emotional strain on partners and significant others
  • Cause feelings of manipulation and exhaustion in others
  • Lead to shallow and unstable relationships
  • Create cycles of crisis and dramatic reconciliation.

With histrionic personality disorder, these problems are exacerbated, often leading to chronic difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships.

In work and academic environments, excessive attention-seeking can:

  • Disrupt group dynamics and teamwork
  • Create conflict and tension within the team
  • Distract from tasks and reduce productivity
  • Build a reputation as an unreliable or difficult employee

People with strong attention-seeking behaviors may have difficulty in environments that require restraint and focus on the outcome rather than the process.

Management and Treatment Approaches

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively works with attention-seeking behavior by helping to identify and change maladaptive thoughts and behavioral patterns.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is particularly useful for histrionic personality disorder, teaching skills in emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

Group therapy provides a safe environment in which to receive healthy feedback on the effects of attention-seeking behaviors on others.

For those seeking to manage their attention-seeking, helpful:

  • Mindfulness techniques to help recognize impulses before they are realized
  • Developing self-reflection skills to understand underlying needs
  • Developing healthy ways of receiving affirmation and recognition
  • Balancing the need for attention with respect for the boundaries of others

Amae Health offers comprehensive programs for working with attention-seeking behaviors, including individual and group therapy, as well as online self-help resources.

Final thoughts

Attention-seeking behavior is a multifaceted phenomenon that exists on a spectrum from normal to pathological. Understanding its causes and manifestations helps professionals and ordinary people balance healthy attention-seeking behavior and its destructive forms.

It is important to remember that excessive attention-seeking behavior often hides unmet emotional needs, and addressing these underlying issues is key to long-term change. Whether the problem is a temporary reaction to stress or a manifestation of histrionic personality disorder, modern approaches in psychology and psychotherapy offer effective strategies for help and support.

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# min read

7 Key Benefits of Mental Health Counseling

By

Sonia Garcia

|

May 8, 2025

Mental health counseling is a professional form of support. It aims to help people overcome emotional and psychological problems. It is a therapeutic relationship between professional and client, designed to promote positive change and personal growth. Counseling is based on confidentiality, empathy, and non-judgmental acceptance.

The goal of health counseling is to provide a safe space. It is a place where people can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns. And they can also develop effective coping strategies. In today's world full of stress, information overload, and social expectations, maintaining mental health has become desirable and essential for a fulfilling life.

Mental health treatment plays a crucial role in overall well-being by directly affecting:

  • Physical health
  • Quality of relationships
  • Employability
  • The ability to find joy in everyday life

Psychological problems can exacerbate physical illnesses and vice versa, confirming the importance of a holistic approach to health. Regular individual therapy sessions can significantly improve quality of life. It helps to develop psychological flexibility and resilience to stress.

What are the Benefits of Mental Health Counseling?

  1. Improved Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  2. Enhanced Self-Acceptance and Self-Esteem
  3. Development of Coping Strategies
  4. Relief from Mental Health Conditions
  5. Improved Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution
  6. Greater Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment
  7. Better Emotional Regulation and Stress Management

1. Improved Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Mental health counseling helps to improve the way we communicate and interact. Clients learn to effectively express their thoughts and needs - the foundation of healthy relationships.

Counselors help clients to develop active listening skills and set healthy boundaries. Individual therapy teaches how to identify and assert personal boundaries while respecting the boundaries of others. This fosters the formation of deeper relationships.

2. Enhanced Self-Acceptance and Self-Esteem

Many people seek mental health treatment because of a negative self-image. Therapy helps to reframe self-critical beliefs that undermine self-esteem.

In the safe environment of health counseling, clients explore the sources of low self-esteem and develop a more positive perception of themselves. Counselors help recognize the client's strengths and intrinsic value.

3. Development of Coping Strategies

Mental health counseling teaches clients effective coping strategies. Counselors help develop adaptive coping mechanisms applicable to a variety of stressful situations. These skills are especially valuable during life transitions, crises, or unexpected changes, when habitual ways of responding may not be sufficient.

In individual therapy, clients practice anxiety management techniques:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Cognitive restructuring
  • Mindfulness practices

These tools help to cope with emotional problems in everyday life. This further prevents the accumulation of stress and the development of chronic psychological conditions. Importantly, these techniques can be practiced independently. This promotes the development of self-sufficiency and confidence.

Health counseling also helps identify and replace ineffective strategies (such as avoiding difficult situations, suppressing emotions, self-medicating with alcohol or other substances) with healthier alternatives. Counselors work with clients to develop a personalized "toolkit" for stress management, taking into account individual differences and life circumstances.

4. Relief from Mental Health Conditions

Mental health treatment plays a key role in the treatment of clinical mental health conditions. Professional counselors use evidence-based techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most researched forms of individual therapy. It helps identify and change maladaptive thoughts. Other approaches include dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapy.

For many, health counseling becomes an essential component of the treatment plan, sometimes in combination with drug therapy.

5. Improved Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution

Mental health counseling develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Clients learn to analyze problems objectively and develop constructive solutions.

Individual therapy provides an environment for practicing conflict resolution skills. Clients learn how to communicate effectively in tense situations and find compromises.

These improved skills lead to more harmonious relationships and reduced stress.

6. Greater Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment

Many people seek health counseling when they feel a sense of emptiness. Therapy helps to explore values and dreams, creating a clearer vision of life's path.

In mental health counseling, clients learn to set meaningful goals that align with their values. Counselors help develop concrete steps to achieve these goals.

Finding deeper meaning is associated with improved psychological well-being. Individual therapy helps clients live more authentic lives.

7. Better Emotional Regulation and Stress Management

A key benefit of mental health treatment is the development of emotional regulation skills: the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions.

In the process of health counseling, clients learn to identify emotional triggers. They develop strategies for managing emotional states. This includes mindfulness techniques to help them stay in the present moment.

Effective stress management is another crucial benefit of individual therapy. Clients learn relaxation and self-care techniques that help reduce the manifestations of stress.

Why Consider Mental Health Counseling?

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of mental health treatment, there are many myths surrounding the therapy. One is that seeking help is a sign of weakness. It demonstrates strength and self-awareness.

Another misconception is that health counseling is only for people with serious disorders. In reality, counseling can be helpful for just about anyone.

Many people believe that therapy should be long-term. However, even short-term individual therapy can lead to significant positive changes.

Certain signs indicate the need for mental health counseling:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or helplessness
  • Difficulty performing daily tasks
  • Problems in relationships
  • Alcohol or other substance abuse
  • Intrusive or disturbing thoughts
  • Significant changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
  • Thoughts of self-harm

How to Get Started with Mental Health Counseling

Finding the right professional for mental health treatment is an important first step. Research qualified professionals through online directories, referrals, or integrated mental health counseling platforms such as Amae Health, which make the process much easier by bringing together trusted professionals from various backgrounds.

When choosing a counselor, pay attention to their specialization and experience with problems similar to yours. Many specialists and modern clinics, including the Amae Health team, offer a free initial consultation. This allows you to assess compatibility and comfort with the interaction.

Consider practical considerations: location, cost, insurance coverage, and availability of online counseling. The advantage of comprehensive psychological support centers is the ability to flex the therapy format to fit your lifestyle. Trust in the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in the success of individual therapy.

The first step toward mental health treatment

Deciding to seek mental health treatment is a powerful and transformative step toward a better quality of life. Counseling provides a safe space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns and professional support as you make changes. It is important to remember that the journey to psychological well-being is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring patience and consistency.

Caring for mental health is now recognized as important as caring for physical well-being. They are inextricably linked, shaping the overall picture of a person's well-being. Health counseling represents a meaningful investment in yourself that can benefit all aspects of your life, from improving your well-being and vitality to developing deeper and more satisfying relationships.

Regardless of the challenges you face - whether it's overcoming traumatic experiences, managing chronic stress, improving relationships, or finding greater meaningfulness - individual therapy can provide the tools and support to overcome them effectively. Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but of strength and determination to make a difference. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full, harmonious life, and professional counseling is one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal.

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# min read

Guide on How to Help Someone With Mental Health Issues

By

Sonia Garcia

|

February 2, 2026

More than 1 billion people worldwide are currently living with a mental health disorder, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While those numbers are global, the experience is always personal - showing up in relationships, families, friendships, and workplaces in ways that can be hard to explain or predict.

When it’s someone you love, helping can feel overwhelming. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, making it worse, or pushing them away. And when you don’t know what to do, fear often turns into silence. If you’re searching for how to help someone with mental health issues, this guide offers practical steps for what to say, what to do, and when to involve professional support.

Why Supporting Someone With Mental Illness Feels So Hard 

Supporting a loved one through mental health struggles can feel overwhelming because the situation is high-stakes, and it’s not always clear what will help. You might freeze, worrying you’ll say the wrong thing, or feel guilty for not noticing sooner. This reaction is common. A scoping review of 92 studies found that family caregivers frequently report psychological strain, social isolation, and practical stressors while supporting a loved one.

Another reason it’s hard: mental health symptoms are often invisible. Your loved one may look “fine” in public, then fall apart at home. That mismatch creates confusion, second-guessing, and mixed signals that make it hard to know what’s really going on.

Common Signs Someone May Be Struggling

Mental health concerns can show up in small, gradual changes. Someone may seem more withdrawn, less engaged, or emotionally distant. In other cases, the shift is more functional - changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or daily routines. When you’re supporting someone with mental illness, the goal is not to label - it’s to notice patterns that suggest they may need help, care, or professional support.

Category What it can look like Examples
Mood & emotions Shifts in emotional stability Sadness, anxiety, numbness, irritability
Behavior & social Withdrawal or unusual reactions Isolation, conflict, avoiding calls, agitation
Daily functioning Basic routines break down Poor sleep, appetite changes, missed work, low energy

These signs don’t confirm a diagnosis, but they can signal that someone may need support. Look for changes that last more than a few days and affect relationships, work, or self-care. If you’re unsure how to help someone with mental health issues, start by observing what changed, when it started, and what seems to make it worse or better.

How To Talk To Someone About Their Mental Health

Create a Safe, Private Space

When you’re supporting someone with mental illness, the setting matters. Pick a calm time when they don’t feel watched, pressured, or stuck. Privacy reduces shame and defensiveness, which makes it easier for them to speak honestly. Even a simple line like, “Can we talk somewhere quiet for a minute?” often feels safer than a serious, formal sit-down.

Listen More Than You Speak

You don’t need the perfect words - you just need to stay present. Active listening builds trust because it shows you can handle their feelings without panicking or taking control.

What good listening looks like:

  • You let them finish without interrupting
  • You reflect back: “That sounds exhausting.”
  • You ask before giving advice
  • You stay calm, even if it’s uncomfortable
  • You don’t argue with their emotions

Try open-ended questions like:

  • “What’s been feeling the hardest lately?”
  • “When did you start feeling this way?”
  • “What helps even a little bit?”
  • “Do you want support, or just someone to listen?”

Avoid Diagnosing or Labeling

Even if you’ve read a lot online, don’t try to label what others are going through. Guessing diagnoses can make them feel exposed, analyzed, or pressured - and that usually triggers defensiveness. The goal is to protect trust, not prove you’re right.

Labels can also create fear (“So you think I’m broken?”) or shut down (“You don’t get me at all”). Instead of diagnosing, focus on what you notice and what they’re experiencing: “I’ve seen you struggling, and I care.”

How To Support Someone With Mental Illness Day To Day

Offer Practical Help

When you’re supporting someone with mental illness, big speeches usually matter less than small, steady actions. Many people struggle with basic tasks when their mind is overwhelmed, so practical support can remove pressure without forcing them to talk. Keep it simple, specific, and easy to accept - “I can do this for you” works better than “Let me know if you need anything.”

Easy ways to help day to day:

  • Bring food or send groceries
  • Help with laundry or dishes
  • Run one quick errand (pharmacy, mail, store)
  • Sit with them while they make a hard phone call
  • Offer a ride to therapy or appointments

Stay Connected

Consistency matters. Regular check-ins remind them they’re not alone - even if they don’t respond much. A short message can be enough to keep the connection alive without adding pressure.

Try low-pressure check-ins like:

  • “Thinking of you today.”
  • “No need to reply - just here.”
  • “Want company or space right now?”

Be Patient with Their Progress

Recovery rarely moves in a straight line. If you’re learning how to help someone with mental health issues, one of the most important things is keeping your expectations realistic. Some days they’ll seem okay, then suddenly crash again - that doesn’t mean they’re failing. Healing can be unpredictable, especially when they’re building coping skills or starting treatment.

A healthier mindset is that progress happens in small steps over time. Stay steady, notice tiny wins, and try not to take setbacks personally.

Encouraging Professional Mental Health Support

If you’re worried about someone, bringing up professional support can feel uncomfortable - but it doesn’t have to feel forceful. A simple, steady approach usually works best:

  1. Lead with care, not control: Start with what you’ve noticed and why you’re concerned, without pushing them to “fix it” immediately.
  2. Use gentle, low-pressure language: Try “You don’t have to do this alone,” or “Would you be open to talking to someone?”
  3. Offer clear options, not ultimatums: Therapy can provide emotional support, psychiatry can help with medication guidance (including mood stabilizers, when clinically appropriate), and structured clinical care may help when symptoms affect daily life.

If you’re unsure what level of care makes sense, our breakdown of PHP vs IOP can help you understand the difference between structured outpatient options. You can also help by finding providers, offering to sit with them while they call, or going with them to the first appointment.

What To Do If Things Feel Serious

Trust your instincts if their behavior shifts fast or their functioning drops sharply. Serious warning signs can include extreme withdrawal, hopelessness, risky behavior, or inability to handle basic daily needs. In those moments, don’t try to manage it alone - involve urgent professional support.

Quick checklist:

  • They seem unsafe or out of control
  • They stop eating, sleeping, or leaving bed
  • They isolate completely and stop responding
  • They express intense despair or “no way out” thinking
  • You feel scared to leave them alone

How Amae Health Can Help

Amae Health is a psychiatry-led mental health clinic that provides structured, compassionate care in person. It’s designed for people who need support for depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, mood disorders, and complex emotional struggles that affect daily life. Care is coordinated across a clinical team, so treatment can include therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and ongoing support based on real progress. 

Remember: supporting someone with mental illness doesn’t have to be alone. If you’re worried about a loved one, you can reach out to Amae Health to explore next steps, ask questions, or help them get connected to care. 

Contact Amae Health today to schedule an appointment or learn about referral options.

# min read

Breaking Through the Stigma: Living with Psychosis

By

Sonia Garcia

|

February 12, 2025

Psychotic conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can be difficult to manage without proper treatment and support. Unfortunately, these conditions can often appear during adolescence and can be misunderstood and stigmatized, making it challenging for adolescents to seek help. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, it’s important to understand the symptoms of psychosis and the treatment options that are available to you.

In this blog, we will explore common misconceptions surrounding psychotic disorders, symptoms of these conditions, coping strategies, the importance of medication and therapy, and how to find an adolescent mental health clinic near you.

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Understanding the Symptoms of Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic conditions in adolescents can manifest in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech or behavior, and difficulty with thinking or concentration. Some adolescents with psychotic disorders may also experience mood disturbances, such as depression or mania. These symptoms can be very distressing and can interfere with daily life and the ability to care for oneself. This highlights the importance of accessing care for psychosis as early as possible.

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Coping Strategies for Living with Psychotic Disorders

Living with psychosis can be challenging, but there are many coping strategies that can help. One of the most important things is to maintain a routine and a sense of structure in one’s daily life. This can include things like setting a regular sleep schedule, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in meaningful activities. It’s also important to have a support network of family, friends, or healthcare professionals who can offer emotional support and practical assistance, when needed.

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The Importance of Medication and Therapy in Managing Psychotic Disorders

Medication and therapy are essential components of managing adolescent psychotic disorders. Medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life, but finding the right medication and dosage can take time and adjustments may be required before landing on the right medication regimen. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychoeducation, can help adolescents learn coping strategies, improve social skills, and manage symptoms. This highlights the importance of finding a mental health clinic that provides specialized treatment for adolescent mental health.

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Misconceptions and Stigmas Surrounding Psychotic Disorders

Adolescents with psychotic disorders often face discrimination, fear, and prejudice due to common misconceptions surrounding these conditions. One of the most prevalent stigmas is the belief that people with psychotic conditions are violent or dangerous. In fact, research has shown that when treated, adolescents with psychotic disorders are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Other misconceptions include the idea that adolescents with these conditions are lazy or lack motivation, or that they are unable to function in society. These misunderstandings are untrue and many people with psychosis recover and go on to live rich and fulfilling lives.

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Finding an Adolescent Mental Health Clinic Near You

Finding an adolescent mental health clinic near you is crucial for adolescents living with psychotic conditions. A clinic like Amae Health that specializes in psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can provide tailored treatment and support to help manage symptoms of these conditions and improve overall quality of life. It’s important to connect with others who understand what you’re going through and can offer empathy, advice, and encouragement.

In summary, if you or someone you know is in need of care, it’s important to take action. At Amae Health, we’re ready to help and can help you get back on track with life. We can be reached at 424-293-0031 or by email at hello@amaehealth.com. By understanding the symptoms and finding an adolescent mental health clinic that provides specialized treatment, individuals with psychotic conditions can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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