To think that this person needs help

[TotallyObsessed4]

Name Change as person, knows I use mumsnet

So basically I know someone who is literally obsessed with a famous actor (who will remain anonymous).

Her house is full of pictures of said celebrity, she runs a website about them and messages them every day (they hardly ever respond). She will cry and “question” the meaning of life, when they don’t like her tweet. She’s doesn’t stop talking about them when your trying to have a Conversation and says that she wants to treat this person like her own child (thankfully she is childless).

I am willing to bet that this person most definitely has a form of ASD. She has a daly routine (centred around the TV schedule of when this actor is on) and her behaviour (not just with this obsession) fits so many of the symptoms.

I am really worried about this person. Is this a normal celebrity “fandom”? Maybe it is and maybe IABU. But surely you can understand my concern.

I have read these boards for years. This one thread made me want to join to comment... because I think I know this person too. Female celeb initials AJ? If so, yes. She needs some help and direction, but it will not be easy to convince her to see this.

I'm guessing either Ellen Degeneres or Phillip Schofield as they've both been reported to be bullies on set.

Either way, I'd be quite concerned. Maybe have a chat with her about increasing her social interaction elsewhere? Maybe join an evening class together? Or something like Zumba even!? I know it won't change much but it's a start towards a different interest and will take her mind away from this obsession for a short time. Especially if she makes a new friend or two?

How vile to post on the busiest section of Mumsnet knowing she’s on Mumsnet

@Aridane The OP has said the person is not on MN.

Unusual behaviour, certainly.
But unhealthy? Not so clear cut.

Does it cause her pain? Does it cause anyone pain?
Does it bring her joy? Does it give her a sense of purpose?
Does it put her at risk of being exploited?
Does it cause her to neglect important aspect of her life?
Does it fill a void that couldn't otherwise be filled?
Does it isolate her?
Does it give her the chance to meet other people?

Fandom can be very obsessive/addictive, but like all intense interests, it isn't necessarily harmful. It can be soothing.
The biggest risk might be it's soothing enough, that the person does not go and address the (very frequent) underlying mental health issues that many dedicated fans live with.

In other words, extreme fandom is a symptom. Unless it goes into dangerous territories (see checklist above), it is in itself harmless, and sometimes even "therapeutic".
The person may still need professional help, not to be "cured" of their fandom, but to address the mental health issues that may (partly) fuel it (at least fuel its most extreme manifestations)

@Alwaysinpain it's an actor and they're in their thirties.

[quote Apolloanddaphne]@Aridane The OP has said the person is not on MN. [/quote]
Think you misread this