Ask for the Kind of Support You Need
People who care about you may not know whether you want advice, company, or practical help. A specific request can make support easier to offer and easier to accept. It also allows another person to respond honestly about their capacity.
Instead of saying that everything is overwhelming, try asking for a ride, help with a meal, or fifteen minutes of listening. Be clear when you are not seeking problem-solving. If someone cannot help, consider another trusted person or an appropriate community resource.
Research connection
A meta-analysis associated stronger social relationships with survival; observational associations do not establish that a particular activity causes better health. [1]
Put it into practice
Complete this sentence: This week, it would help if someone could ___. Share it with a person you trust and offer a clear time frame. Receiving support need not mean giving up your own decisions.
Reference
Practice suggestions are editorial applications; the cited source has not tested this exact exercise.