Stage 6 of 7 · 6 lessons · ~1 week
Asking for help without shame
Many of us were taught that asking for help is weakness. It is a skill, and the people who do well usually ask early. Learn what to ask, whom to ask and how, and how to take a no.
Start: Why asking feels so hardLessons· one lesson for each topic, in this order
Do this
- Write down one thing you have been struggling with alone
- Match each of your current problems to the best helper
- Find three support services at your university or workplace
- Write and send one clear request for help
- Thank the person who helped, and tell them how it went
- If you get a no, ask the next person on your list
Start with· follow one of these
- VideoFreeThe Power of Vulnerability (Brené Brown, TEDxHouston)
Brené Brown (TEDxHouston)
Why letting people see you struggle builds connection rather than weakness
- GuideFreeHow to Ask Good Questions (Julia Evans)
Julia Evans · Beginner
Practical rules for asking clear questions people can actually answer
Keep handy
Before moving on: A list of your current problems matched to the right helpers, three support services at your university or workplace written down, and at least one clear request for help sent.
Asking early is a strength, not a weakness. The students who do best are rarely the ones with no problems; they are the ones who tell someone in week two instead of week ten. Make one clear ask this week.
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).