For some, asking those around you for help is easy. For others, it’s a completely different story.  While it can be a difficult thing, the hardest obstacle to overcome is usually yourself.

When it comes to asking for help effectively, here’s a few ways to make the process less painful:

  • Try it out solo
    For some reason, people are more apt to want to help those that have already tried to help themselves. At Hope, we know that the women and adolescents we serve don’t always have access to resources to do this, that’s what we are here for. If you are more fortunate (resource-wise), when asking for help from a friend or loved one, it may help to let them know how you’ve tried to help yourself with whatever you are facing.
  • Consider timing
    Instead of launching into “I need your help,” it may be easier to tell someone that you’d like to talk to them and when the best time for them would be. This strategy is a way to show consideration and also allow enough time and space to have a good conversation.
  • Give information
    When asking for help, it’s best to be as clear as possible. This may mean sharing personal information or openly communicating with those that want to help you best.
  • Give help
    For those that struggle with asking for help, one way in to a supportive community is to give those around you help. This is a great way to build trust and security with a group or individual that you can eventually share your own stories with.

 

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