How to Ask for Help

Find someone who feels safe.
Talk to someone you can trust.

BE HONEST AND OPEN

It can sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing something so personal like a mental health concern, but explaining how you are feeling and how your challenges are impacting your life may help others understand how to help you.

LET OTHERS HELP YOU

When experiencing a mental health issue, sometimes we have a difficult time making any decisions at all. Our brains aren’t functioning to the best of their ability, making things seem even more confusing. There is also no “one size fits all” when it comes to treatment. For these and other reasons, it’s okay to accept help from others. Ask those you trust to help and let them help you.  If you don’t know where to turn, you can always start with Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255.

ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED

Let family and friends know how they can help you. Do you need space before you can continue talking at this time? Do you feel like they are thinking that leaving you alone is the best option, when really you need more support? Vocalize your needs. Your support networks will have a lot more success in supporting you if they know what you need.

KEEP TALKING

When we aren’t doing well, one of our tendencies as humans is to clam up and keep our problems to ourselves. Experts say that isn’t the answer though. As difficult as it might seem, talk to someone you can trust. Open up, even if it’s tough. Keep talking about it. Know that people do care. Sometimes people don’t always know how to respond when we try to open up, but don’t take that as a sign that they don’t care. 

Keep talking and keep sharing. Don’t give up.