As human beings, we all have a basic need for connection and belonging. We want to feel like we matter, that we have a purpose and that others value us. However, when this turns into a strong need to feel needed, it can create issues that impact our mental and emotional well-being. Let’s look at why someone may feel the need to be needed and what can help overcome it. If you want guided support, explore Life Coaching.
Low Self-Esteem
A person with low self-esteem may believe they don’t have much to offer, so they seek validation by being needed by others. To overcome this, build self-esteem by challenging negative self-talk, focusing on strengths and accomplishments, setting and achieving small goals, and practising self-care that supports a more secure sense of self.
Lack of Purpose
When purpose or direction is unclear, people sometimes try to find it by being needed by others. Clarify purpose by exploring your interests, values and goals, then use them to contribute to something meaningful—your family, a cause or your community.
Codependency
A codependent person may feel they must be needed to feel valuable or important. Helpful background on codependency: Psychology Today – Codependency basics. Overcoming codependency can involve:
- Developing healthy boundaries.
- Learning to say “no” when necessary.
- Practising self-care and self-compassion.
Fear of Abandonment
Some people try to become indispensable to prevent others from leaving. Address this fear by examining the beliefs and emotions underneath it, challenging negative thought patterns, and practising self-soothing and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety. Support with relationships is available via Relationship Coaching.
Control Issues
Control can feel like safety, so the need to feel needed sometimes keeps control in place. To move forward, try:
- Examining why control feels necessary.
- Letting go of what’s outside your control.
- Practising mindfulness and self-awareness to regulate emotions and reactions.
Feeling needed is a natural human desire. When it becomes persistent and dominant, it may signal deeper issues that deserve care. By addressing the roots—self-esteem, purpose, codependency, fear or control—you can find more fulfilment and calm. As a mental fitness coach, I help clients build self-awareness, shift unhelpful patterns, and develop tools for emotional well-being. If you’re working through this pattern, start with online coaching or get in touch—together we’ll create a plan that fits your life.