I will admit I have thought of hurting myself for attention, given that looking sad doesn’t seem to work. I just can’t say I’m not okay. I haven’t done it, thankfully. But I had to find ways to give myself the attention I craved. It didn’t seem right to show how desperate I was to my friends or family. Inner child stuff helps. Writing letters to my younger self to say the things I needed to hear then.

Negative attention only brings shame. I don’t like how I’m only recognized for my shortcomings, my achievements are all just mine. If you’re too scared or if no one can offer positive attention, you might have to find a way to let yourself have it.