How to Ask for Help
If you or someone you know is struggling and feels like there's no way out, please know that help is available. You don't have to go through this alone. Reach out to someone who cares, or contact a professional who can help guide you through this difficult time.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (Available 24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Lifeline Chat: Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat to speak with someone online.
Find a Therapist: Visit psychologytoday.com to search for local mental health professionals.
You are important, and there is hope. Help is just a call or message away.
Start Here
Over eons and eons, human beings have evolved into social creatures. Our mutual survival and well-being depend on our ability to articulate our needs to one another.
It is part of your nature to need help. EVERYONE needs help sometimes.
Step one is to work through that silly head voice telling you that “you’re a burden” or "no one can help.” Rubbish!
Even if someone can’t fix your particular circumstances, the comfort of expressing your pain and needs is healing.
You are worthy of help; let’s get you some!
Be clear about what you need.
If you can’t figure that out, start here: “I am depressed, and I don’t know exactly what I need, but I need help.”
Talking Points
Serious Requests for Help - Mental Health
I’ve been struggling a lot lately, and I don’t think I can handle this on my own anymore. Can we talk?
I haven’t been feeling like myself for a while, and it’s starting to affect everything. I think I need some help.
I’m finding it hard to get through the day, and I don’t know what to do about it. Can you help me figure out my next steps?
I’ve been dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, and it’s becoming too much. I need to talk to someone about it.
I’ve been trying to cope with everything on my own, but I’m realizing I need support. Can you help me find the right resources?
I’m feeling really overwhelmed, and I’m not sure how to manage it. I think I need more help than I’ve been willing to admit.
Things have been really tough mentally, and I’ve reached a point where I need to ask for help. Can we discuss what options I have?
I’m having a hard time with my mental health right now, and it’s affecting my ability to function. Can you help me figure out where to go from here?
I’ve been keeping this to myself for a while, but I think it’s time to reach out for help. I can’t keep going like this.
I’m struggling more than I let on, and I don’t know how to fix it. I need your help figuring out what I should do.
Casual Requests for Help
Can you help me with this? I'm struggling to figure out the next step.
I’ve been working on this for a while, and I’m hitting a wall. Do you have any suggestions?
I’m not sure I understand this fully. Could you explain it differently?
I could really use your perspective on this. What do you think?
I’m feeling stuck and would appreciate any advice you have.
I need some help prioritizing these tasks. Can you help me sort through them?
I’m having trouble solving this issue on my own. Would you mind helping me brainstorm solutions?
Do you have a few minutes to look over this and give me feedback?
I’d appreciate your guidance on this. What would you do in this situation?
Could you point me in the right direction? I’m not sure where to start.
