[Kate*]

Even if if seems to you like they're doing it for no reason, it might just be that they do it for reasons that you don't understand (in this case it seems like it's for attention) we can't know for sure of course. I don't think people do things for no reason. It can make it harder for you to be understood though, because as you said people may not see the difference, but they may need as much help as you do for different reasons. If you've been thinking about reaching out it's still worth it and if you aren't ready yet it's something to think about.