How to Ask for Help: A Practical Guide
Table of Contents
Why Asking for Help Matters
- • Ensures you get timely support—physical, emotional, or informational.
- • Reduces stress and prevents burnout by sharing responsibilities.
- • Models healthy self-advocacy for your family and community.
- • Improves outcomes: better health, stronger relationships, and greater confidence.
Types of Help You May Need
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Assistance with chores or tasks | Meal prep, cleaning, childcare |
| Emotional | Someone to listen or comfort you | Partner check-ins, support groups |
| Medical | Professional health services | Prenatal visits, mental health counseling |
| Informational | Advice or education | Workshops, reputable websites, helplines |
| Financial | Monetary support | Community grants, family contributions |
Identifying Your Support Network
- • List trusted individuals: partner, family members, friends.
- • Include formal supports: CHW, doctors, counselors, social services.
- • Note digital resources: apps, forums, helplines relevant to your needs.
- • Keep contacts organized: phonebook, app favorites, written list.
Overcoming Common Barriers
Barrier: Shame or stigma—remind yourself that everyone needs help at times.
Barrier: Fear of burdening others—frame your request as an opportunity for connection.
Barrier: Lack of clarity—use simple, specific language about what you need.
Barrier: Communication anxiety—practice or write a script beforehand.
Effective Communication Strategies
1. Be Direct & Specific: “Could you please help me bring groceries this week?”
2. Use “I” Statements: “I’m feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to.”
3. Set Expectations: “I need 30 minutes of uninterrupted time daily.”
4. Express Gratitude: “Thank you for listening—it means a lot.”
Sample Request Scripts
Partner
“I’ve been really tired and could use help with the baby’s bedtime routine tonight.”
Community Health Worker
“Can we schedule an extra home visit to discuss my blood pressure readings?”
Employer
“I need a short break every two hours for health reasons. Can we adjust my schedule?”
Friends
“Would you be able to drop off a meal this weekend?”
Professional Services
“I’d like information on local counseling options for postpartum mood changes.”
How a CHW Can Help
CHWs offer home visits for health monitoring, referrals to clinics, health education, and emotional support.
They can connect you with community programs, supply kits, and peer groups.
Keep their contact handy and reach out early for non-urgent needs.
Leveraging Digital Help Tools
- • Pregnancy and postpartum apps with chat features and reminders.
- • Online forums moderated by healthcare professionals.
- • 24/7 helplines for maternal health emergencies and mental health crises.
When & How to Seek Urgent Help
- • Medical emergency: call your provider or emergency number immediately.
- • Mental health crisis: contact crisis helplines or go to nearest facility.
- • Domestic safety concerns: reach trusted contact, CHW, or local helpline.
Self‑Care While You Seek Help
- • Acknowledge your bravery for reaching out.
- • Practice a quick self‑soothing technique—deep breathing or affirmations.
- • Set aside a moment to celebrate even small steps toward support.
Additional Resources
- • SHELY app’s “Ask Mira” chat feature for instant guidance.
- • Local support group directories for pregnancy and postpartum.
- • National maternal health helplines and mental health crisis lines.
Conclusion
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By clarifying your needs, choosing the right supports, and communicating effectively, you build a network that sustains you through every challenge.
Next Steps
- • Identify one area where you need help today and choose a person or service to ask.
- • Use a template script to craft your request and practice it aloud.
- • Save key contacts in your phone and set a reminder to follow up.