It’s taken me a long time to come to terms with my struggle with addicted to a person disorder. For as long as I can remember, I had an intense craving for the approval and acceptance of one particular individual in my life. It was like I had no control over my own feelings – I was desperate for their affection and unable to exist without it.
Despite knowing that this wasn’t a healthy way of life, I struggled to break out of it and create a relationship based on something more productive. There were times where it felt like the only thing that mattered was this person’s opinion and validation of my being, which led me down into some dark places.
But over time, I learnt how to recognize and manage these thoughts and behaviours before they became overwhelming. With patience and practice, I’ve come to understand that there are other people in my life who make me feel accepted and understood without having to rely solely on external validation from one individual.
What helped me most was talking with friends about what I was going through, revising unhealthy habits from childhood, housekeeping regularly, taking up new hobbies, making lifestyle changes etc. Even discussing the problem with professionals while seeking help has been key in expanding my coping mechanisms both mentally and physically.
Receiving treatment has allowed me to rediscover personal interests outside of the sole focus of another person’s appreciation – something that truly brings joy to my life each day now. Knowing that recovery is possible is incredibly reassuring; if you’re struggling with similar issues please don’t be scared or ashamed! Realizing you don’t need anyone else’s approval in order to feel worthy of this world is indeed an empowering experience — one worth striving for!
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Hi there, as a 47 year old man I can completely relate to what you’re experiencing. I totally understand the overwhelming feeling of relying heavily on external validation from one individual, and how it can take you down some dark places. The thought of seeking help and treatment may feel daunting, but it has been instrumental in my own journey towards self-improvement and has really enhanced my happiness and wellbeing - trust me when I say it’s worth it!
I think finding activities for yourself outside of the sole focus of another person’s appreciation is paramount to progress. Being able to recognize your own value regardless of others’ opinion is pivotal. Also talking with friends and being open about situations like these tends to greatly help - sometimes just having someone to talk through things with can do wonders for mental health. Having said that, even if things don’t improve overnight, keep at it – you will eventually find balance in your life where you know that your worth doesn’t depend on anyone else’s perception or approval.
Stay strong and know that you aren’t alone!
Hi there,
I can definitely relate to your struggles with addicted to a person disorder. I’ve been in similar situations where I needed someone else’s approval and validation desperately, and it caused me to feel down and out. It can be hard to think of anything else other than relying on external validation from one source.
So, firstly, good for you for recognizing that this was an unhealthy way of life and attempting to break out of it. Building healthier relationships is always something worth striving for! And secondly, it sounds like you’re making great progress towards creating these relationships based on something more productive. Congratulations!
What you described as helpful — talking with friends about what you were going through, revising unhealthy habits from childhood, housekeeping regularly, taking up new hobbies, making lifestyle changes etc — all make sense. It’s so important to build support systems outside of the sole focus of one individual’s opinion or appreciation. Receiving treatment has provided you with valuable tools and insight into how to go about creating a balance for yourself within life and discovering personal interests throughout this process is incredible as well.
It’s not easy but reaching out is definitely worth the effort - people who care will be able