How to Get the Help You Need: What to Say & When to Say It

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Maybe you’re a new parent overwhelmed by keeping the house in order. Or maybe you’re a student struggling with a tough homework assignment. Everyone has been in a situation where they could use some help. Unfortunately, it can feel tough to ask for help. Maybe you feel embarrassed or scared that you’ll be turned down. Don’t worry! Once you figure out what you need, you can make a polite and organized request. Chances are someone will be happy to give you the help you need! [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Asking for Help

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  1. Don’t ask someone for help when they are obviously busy or distracted. For example, don’t ask your professor for help with homework right as they are trying to start class. Similarly, don’t ask your boss for advice as they are rushing out the door. [2]
    • If you’re not sure whether or not it is a good time, just ask. You can say, “I’ve love to ask for your help with something. Is there a time that’s good for you to talk?”
  2. In most cases, if you don’t ask for help you won’t receive it. Sometimes people might be hesitant to step up and offer help. If you need something, speak up and ask. [3]
    • Maybe you’re traveling alone in a new city. If you’re lost, ask for directions. Stop into a nearby store, or ask the bus driver which stop you need.
    • You may feel vulnerable speaking up for help, but a certain degree of vulnerability can help you find the help you need. Don't feel weak, insecure, or embarrassed by asking for help.
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  3. People aren’t mind readers. Instead of just saying, “I need help,” clearly state precisely what it is that you need. For example, instead of saying to your teacher, “I’m confused. Can you help me?”, say, “I don’t understand how to solve the equation for X. Can you please show me a sample problem?” [4]
    • Instead of saying to your partner, “I need you to help more around the house,” you may say, “Could you please take the trash out and also do a load of laundry, please?”
  4. Sometimes it’s tempting to whine a little bit. This could be a defense mechanism if you feel uncomfortable asking for help. It will help if you ask in a positive way instead. [5]
    • Don’t tell your co-worker, “I’m so swamped! Could you cover for me at the meeting this afternoon?” That might imply that you’re busy, but you don’t think your co-worker is. Instead, say, “I know we’re both busy, but you seem to be handling the stress better than me. Do you have time to take my place at the meeting this afternoon so that I can get caught up?”
  5. No one wants to hear you put yourself down. Try not to talk negatively about yourself when asking for help. Instead, act confident. You'll be more likely to receive the help you need.
    • Try not to say things like, “I’m so stupid. I’ll never get Algebra. Can you help me again?” Instead, say, “This is complicated, but I know I can do it. Would you mind showing me another sample problem?”
  6. Sometimes the help you receive might not turn out the way you expected. That can be frustrating. However, it is important not to give up. Keep trying to get help and make it work for you. [6]
    • Maybe you just had your first mentoring session with your boss. You might feel like you didn’t receive the sort of helpful advice that you were hoping for. Instead of canceling your next meeting, try again. Prepare a list of specific questions that you have for them.
    • If you asked someone for help and they didn't come through, don't be afraid to ask someone else. Sometimes, you may need to reach out to a few people before getting assistance.
  7. People will be more likely to agree to help you if you have been known to help others. Build a reputation as a helpful person. If you see a co-worker who has too much on their plate, offer your assistance. They’ll likely return the favor when you find yourself frazzled. [7]
    • If your friend is sick, offer to drop off some food for them. You’ll likely receive the same kind treatment when you find yourself in a bind.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

What Kind of Help Do You Need?

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  1. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed in general and just want some help. However, you’ll be better prepared to ask for help if you can clearly articulate your needs. For example, maybe you’ve recently had surgery and need a lot of help just getting things done. Your list might look like this: [8]
    • Go to the grocery store
    • Take the kids to dentist appointments
    • Walk the dog
    • Help with depression
  2. Assign a number from 1-10 to each need. A 10 means that this task is essential, a 1 means that it is not that important. This will help you figure out your most pressing needs. You can start with getting help for those, and then work your way down the list. For example, it’s normal to struggle with depression after a surgery. That would be rated a 10, since it can impact your ability to take care of other needs.
  3. While it might seem daunting to ask for help, remember that there are likely plenty of people in your life who will be more than happy to help you. Start with family and close friends and then think about other parts of your network. Your list might include: [9]
    • Your partner
    • Your siblings
    • Your children
    • Your best friend
    • Your neighbors
  4. Now it is time to compare your lists. Choose which person to ask for help with each task. Maybe your sister is a therapist. Ask her for some ideas about how to cope with depression. If your kids are old enough, they can walk the dog. Ask your partner to take a break from work to make sure the kids get to the dentist. Ask your neighbor if they would mind picking up a few things at the grocery store the next time they make a run. Choose people based on their abilities and their relationship to you. [10]
    • This is called delegating tasks. Delegating tasks to people you trust can help you reduce stress, especially in times when you need extra help.
  5. It is important to remember that it is not weak to ask for help. In fact, it shows that you are strong enough to voice your own needs. You won’t be able to do much good for others if you don’t ask for the help you need. It’s also smart to ask for help. If you don’t, you might find your situation worsening instead of getting better. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Accepting Help Graciously

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  1. Even though you might feel embarrassed that you needed help, don’t pretend like it never happened. Directly acknowledge that you appreciate what the other person did for you. Try to make this acknowledgment shortly after receiving help. [12]
    • If your professor stayed after class to go over your paper with you, say, “Thanks for staying. I appreciate your time.”
    • Maybe your teen did some extra chores around the house when you were working late. Say, “That was really helpful of you to get dinner started.”
  2. When someone is helping you, it’s okay to be a little bit vulnerable. The other person might appreciate knowing that they are genuinely helping you. For example, you could say, “Wow, thanks for watching the kids this evening. We really needed a date night!” Showing that your need was genuine is a good way to be sincere.
  3. Be specific when you thank someone. Let them know exactly what they did for you. You could say to your therapist, “Thanks for this session. I think you’ve given me some good tools to start overcoming my anxiety.” [13]
    • You could tell your partner, “Thanks for making dinner tonight. It meant a lot to me to be able to just put my feet up after a long day at work.”
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/passion/201601/the-power-asking-help
  2. ↑ https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/reaching-out-for-help/
  3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/help-obstacles.html
  4. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_overcome_your_reluctance_to_ask_for_help_at_work
  5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pain-is-personal/202404/how-to-ask-for-and-receive-help
  6. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/help-obstacles.html
  7. ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/12/5-ways-to-get-better-at-asking-for-help
  8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201106/how-ask-help
  9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201106/how-ask-help
  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201106/how-ask-help
  2. ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/teaching-students-how-ask-help/
  3. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/gratitude_personal_essay
  4. ↑ https://hbr.org/2013/02/how-to-give-a-meaningful-thank

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I ask for help as a single mother?
    Crisis Text Line
    24/7 Crisis Counseling
    Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 crisis support via text. Those in crisis can text 741741 to be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor. They've exchanged over 100 million messages with people in crisis around the US and are rapidly expanding.
    Crisis Text Line
    24/7 Crisis Counseling
    Expert Answer
    Asking for help can be a tough thing to do in any situation. As a single mother, it is likely that you have an overwhelming amount on your plate and feeling a great deal of stress. If you have family who is supportive, consider asking them for help with small tasks, being there to listen if you are feeling stressed, or even for help to take a few hours to yourself—you deserve it. Take advantage of the support of your community, depending on what resources they may offer such as childcare, or assistance with food, for example. Remember to give yourself credit where credit is due—you are doing your best. Take what time you can to take care of yourself, too.
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  • Question
    Where do I seek help?
    Crisis Text Line
    24/7 Crisis Counseling
    Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 crisis support via text. Those in crisis can text 741741 to be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor. They've exchanged over 100 million messages with people in crisis around the US and are rapidly expanding.
    Crisis Text Line
    24/7 Crisis Counseling
    Expert Answer
    Look to your family and community for help. If you have family who is supportive, consider asking them for help with small tasks, being there to listen if you are feeling stressed, or even for help to take a few hours to yourself. Take advantage of the support of your community, too. For example, they may offer resources such as childcare or assistance with food. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help, and give yourself credit where credit is due. You are doing your best.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    I'm afraid that the only person I can ask for help will make fun of me. What can I do?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Most people aren't as critical as we perceive them to be. Asking for help requires taking a risk sometimes. If this person criticizes you, than you should consider having a secondary source to ask for help as a backup.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Asking for help is easier if you can articulate your needs. You may want to make a list of what you need help with and rank the importance of each need by assigning a number from 1-10 to every item. Next make a list of people who could help you and match each person with a particular need that they are best suited to aid with. When asking for help, clearly state your need in a positive, self-confident way. Finally, when you do receive help, thank those who stepped up in a sincere and specific manner. To learn more from our Counselor co-author, like who to ask for help for your situation, keep reading the article!

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      • Rupa Shah

        Jun 14, 2017

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