How to ask for help
Sometimes we need help but we're not able to ask for it. We've got tips on how to ask for help when things get tough.
Managing everything on your own is fine - until it's not!
Asking for help, no matter how big or small the issue might be, is often hard to do. Some people see it as a negative thing but we’re here to show you that’s simply not the case!
Knowing that you’re in need of help can be hard to admit because we’re often taught to be self-reliant and independent.
Asking for help can feel very uncomfortable and some people describe having to ‘swallow their pride’ in order to reach out for support.
It takes courage to reach out and say that you’re not managing, you’re unsure about something, or you just need a shoulder to cry on.
I want help but I can't ask!
So what exactly gets in the way of asking for help?
Well, here’s a few important things that young people say stops them from reaching out:
- They don’t really believe that talking about it, counselling or therapy will help
- They or other people see it as a sign of weakness
- They don’t like to rely on others and prefer to do things themselves
- There is no one around that they feel able to talk to
- They’re not sure who they can trust and if they will keep what they say confidential
- They’ve tried asking for help in the past but it didn’t go very well and it put them off
- It’s hard to know when it’s ok to cope by themselves or when they really need help
- They justify their feelings or make excuses to themselves in order to avoid asking for help
- It’s too expensive or they don’t have the right service in their neighbourhood
- They’ve never done it before and feel scared or worried about what might happen
- They're embarrassed or ashamed
While it might feel risky reaching out for help - it's important that you do
Sometimes we just need help and there's no shame in that.
Everybody needs help at times including your parents, siblings, friends, and teachers!
Unfortunately, asking for help can bring up a lot of negative thoughts and feelings such as:
A sense of failure
A loss of independence
Feeling weak or inadequate
Fear that you aren't measuring up to expectations
Doubting your own ability
Feeling disappointed or bad about yourself
Helping someone is a win-win - it not only feels good for the person who is helping you but it's going to make your life a lot easier too!
"A lot of people struggle to talk about mental health."
So how do you know when to get help?
Asking for help is a really important skill to learn and you’ll use it throughout your life – in your relationships, at school, and at work. Here’s a few situations when you might consider asking for help:
When you’re at school or work and you really don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing - don’t torture yourself by trying to figure it out on your own, instead ask someone to give you a hand.
When you’re overloaded with responsibilities like homework, sports, family events, part-time work, and spending time with friends – get help to rearrange some things or get support from a friend.
When you’re feeling unable to cope, are under a lot of stress, feel scared or confused, or you feel like hurting yourself – have your friends or family help you get an appointment with a doctor, counsellor, youth worker, or psychologist.
When you make a mistake have the courage to admit it and then ask for help. It’s ok to make mistakes – after all that’s how we learn! Get help from somebody so you can get better at it.
You’re struggling with a crisis or something’s happened in your life that’s upsetting, scary, or you’re unsure what to do. Talk to somebody you can trust like a parent, older sibling, teacher, or a counsellor.
Change your mindset
It's time to change the way you think about asking for help!
- Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything yourself.
- Accept that you’re only human – you’re not supposed to be doing everything perfectly all the time.
- Helping another person actually makes us feel good – give your friends and family the chance to help you.
- Sharing your struggles with people you trust and asking for support strengthens your relationships.
- We might convince ourselves there’s never a good time to ask for help – don’t worry too much about that. What’s important is that you say something to somebody you trust.
- It takes courage to put yourself out there and ask for help – so be brave and give it a go.
"If you are struggling, reach out! The best decision I ever made was to go to a psychologist for strategies and ways of coping."
Ask for help today - you can do it!
Practice asking for help with the little things, so when the big stuff happens you know what to do.
Remember, no matter how big or small the issue might be, asking for help is a good skill to have!
Everybody could use a little help. Kids Helpline is here for you 24/7 and we can help you with any issue, anytime. Give us a call, or start a webchat today.
If you need more information for other digital services and resources, check out Medicare Mental Health.
This content was last reviewed
