How do I ask for what I need?
I've found one of my biggest problems with my anxiety is asking for what I need, and understanding what that is. I know that my family and my boyfriend are 100% supportive of me, but when they ask what they can do to help I find even if I knew what to ask them I couldn't bring myself to burden them with it. I am afraid that even if they say yes that they did not want to do it.
@zvw A lot of people find it really hard to ask for help when they need it, sometimes they know what will help them but be too afraid of rejection so choose not to ask, some people don't know what help or support they would like but would just like to feel less alone with their problems. Sometimes when our self esteem is low, we can feel we are undeserving of anyone's help. Accepting that you need a bit of moral support or understanding from others can be a difficult step to take. Some people may feel that in order to ask for help, they need to swallow their pride, make themselves vulnerable with others which is terrifying in itself. But everyone at some time in their lives whatever their problems needs a listening ear. You're no exception. Equally the person you ask for support and help from could be a person who may turn to you for help in the future, such as a family member, friend or work colleague.
Generally speaking, most people like to help. That's why there are people here at 7 cups who are reaching out to people who need a little support at some point in their lives. You are deserving of that too :)
A friend of mine once said to me, For a nice relation, help should be given both ways. If you give help, you should also accept help. Since he believs that if you keep helping someone, they'd feel indebted to you and most people don't like to be in that position.
I don't know how much valid his words are, but i've found many times that people do really like giving help. Some tend to give lesser than what they receive while some would lie more on the giving side. :)