If you’re going through a health condition, one of the hardest parts—outside of your diagnosis and treatment, of course—is asking people for help. While people unquestionably want to support you (in fact, loved ones you haven’t talked to in years will find themselves reaching out and making genuine offers to help!) that doesn’t always mean it’s easy to connect and accept their offers.

Whether it’s pride, insecurity, confusion, or it simply feels uncomfortable when you’ve been so used to doing things yourself, it can be tricky to seek support for your health condition.

But letting people help you is important!

Here are some ways to seek support for your health condition, even if it feels foreign right now.

Share Information Openly

First, know that your medical situation is yours alone, and you don’t have to share deep updates or answer questions you’d rather keep private (even with your own family). But general updates on your condition—when you want to share them—can be important, especially because it allows people to connect with you and figure out ways they can be supportive.

For example, you might struggle to meet a family gathering this year, and by sharing this information you can allow people to come and visit you instead! Sharing updates can be healthy, and it can also help you feel less lonely.

Delegate Tasks As Needed

Maybe you need a ride to and from an appointment; or, perhaps you need a simple favor, like picking up your rechargeable hearing aids from your doctor’s office. Or, maybe you need to have a list of people and their phone numbers on hand in case of emergencies.

Whatever it is, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to outsource. Empowering your loved ones in this way is a favor to them, as their biggest goal is to simply support you.

Discuss Additional Support Needs

Seeking support for your health condition goes beyond your appointments and medical care; there are also products to purchase or services to look into. For example, depending on your condition and the severity, you may need to look into something like ostomy care, or specialty products like Bluetooth hearing aids. You may also need to consider what accommodation requests for your home or transportation may be needed.

There’s also the emotional aspect, and having a special person (or people) to confide in when you’re just feeling overwhelmed.

Regardless of what kind of support you need, know that it’s okay to ask. There’s nothing to be ashamed about! The clearer you can be, the more people can show up for you when you need them the most.

 

Featured Image Credit:Askar Abayev