Feeling Crappy? Here’s 5 Ways to Ask for Help

Letting people know that you need help can be really difficult, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It is ve4y common to feel sad from time-to time –in fact, depression affects up to 300 million people world-wide and 1 in 13 people suffer from anxiety, according to the World Health Organization.

Although the disorders are treatable, less than half actually receive treatment. Most people are afraid to reach out, and ask for what they need to feel better. You MUST be able to ask for help when you need it, especially during these crazy last 6 months.

So, here’s 5 tips on how to ask for help when you don’t feel good:

#1) Get Clear On What You Need Right Now

Think about what you need most: a conversation, a hug, both? The more specific you can be, the better your loved ones can support you.

#2) Write Out Some Specific Statements to Send Out

Do this when you are feeling a little better (maybe first thing in the morning, or after a walk outside in nature) is ideal. Then when you are feeling sad, you have them ready to go. Here’s a few examples:

1. “Hey, I haven’t been feeling great lately, and think I need help from a friend. Could we plan a weekly face-to-face meetup or phone call? It would have a positive impact on me.”

Recent studies have shown loneliness can create stress in the body and have a very negative impact on health and your emotional well-being. The meetups don’t need to be fancy, just something that allows for repetition and quality time –maybe a walk or going for coffee.

2. “Hi there. I haven’t been feeling very good lately, so could I ask you a favour? Could you text me each morning to check in on how I’m doing? I think it’ll help me quite a bit.” 

If you don’t live near your family or friends, this is a great way to get someone engaged. You don’t need to go into details about how you’re feeling and why you’re asking for the favour, just reach out to them.

3. “Hi, I may have mentioned this, but I haven’t been feeling great lately and need your help. Do you have a few minutes to talk right now?”

If the person you’re trying to reach can’t speak when you need them, move down your mental list of loved ones and keep going until someone is available. If you aren’t able to reach someone and are still feeling down, call a 24/7 mental health hotline or visit a health clinic near you.

#3) Be OK With Being Vulnerable

KNow that you are not alone –and that you need to let others know how you feel when you are sad. Even the strongest of people go through really hard times. TRUST ME! I know — because I certainly have! In fact many strong women I know are the ones that suffer in silence because they don’t share how they really feel. People around them doesn’t think to ask then if they are OK. Just because someone is strong, doesn’t mean they don’t have really difficult days like everyone else. If you haven’t already, check in with her.

#4 Find A Support Group

Look online and find a Local Support Group, a Meetup.com Group or Facebook Groups that resonate with you.

#5) Call a 24/7 Hotline

Hotlines are a great way to access a trained professional who can speak with and will help you feel better. The hotline listed below is free, confidential, and available all day, every day.

 International Association for Suicide Prevention

The International Association for Suicide Prevention is a nonprofit run by professionals and volunteers from more than 50 different countries. The organization’s website offers international resources, including crisis center locations, websites, and phone numbers based on region.

If you would like to learn how to manage your mind and your negative feeling, I will help you! Please contact me HERE.