Admit it—sometimes you just want someone to notice you. To check in, to care, to remind you that you matter. But then comes the guilt. That little voice says you’re “attention-seeking,” “too much,” or “selfish.” For many young adults and teens, this mix of self doubt, shame, and guilt trips makes asking for connection feel almost impossible. And when you bury that need, it eats away at your emotional well-being, fuels self-sabotage, and leaves you stuck in cycles of teen troubles and losing motivation.In this episode of Headstraight, we strip away the stigma around wanting attention. You’ll hear straight talk about where this guilt comes from—old family messages, toxic friendships, or the constant pressure to prove you’re “independent.” We’ll explore why ignoring your need for connection only makes the pressure worse, how it spills out in messy ways (oversharing, picking fights, playing the clown), and how to start building healthier ways to get your needs met.Most importantly, you’ll learn real talk mental health strategies for asking directly without shame, spreading your needs across a stronger support network, and setting boundaries with people who don’t show up. Along the way, we’ll talk about why attention is as natural as food or sleep, why self reliance doesn’t mean going it alone, and how honesty builds stronger, safer connections.If guilt has been stopping you from asking for what you need, this episode shows you how to reclaim your right to connection, protect your teen mental health, and make better choices for your relationships.Want to get involved?I’d love to hear from you:Send me a message → headstraight.co.uk/contactLeave me a voice note → headstraight.co.uk/voicemailShare your feedback by leaving a review (it helps more young people find the podcast) → headstraight.co.uk/reviews/newExplore more from Headstraight:Read the blog version of every episode, packed with extra insights on self-sabotage, motivation, resilience, and mental health → headstraight.co.uk/blogFind out more about me, the host, and why I started this podcast → headstraight.co.uk/aboutNeed support right now?If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or in crisis, visit our Resources pagefor helplines, mental health services, and support options available in the UK and across the world.Click here to view the episode transcript.

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