Why is it seen as attention seeking when you talk about your mental illness?

Attention seeking?: I imagine this depends on the person making such a statement, as it implies a judgment rather than an assessment of facts. People talk with me about their mental illnesses all the time, and i don't call it "attention seeking." however, i'm a psychiatrist, and this is why they come to me. If someone is telling about their struggles in social or other situations, others may think what they think.