Asking for Help

We can all use an assist every now and then — but asking for it can be tough. We hear stories about the struggles of asking for help.

Listen 48:43
Two hands (help) isolated on white background

Two hands (help) isolated on white background

Asking for help is hard. It can make us feel vulnerable, like we’re sharing too much or admitting weakness. It can also stoke fears about our relationships and sense of self-worth — am I being a burden? Will they resent me later? What if they say no?

And yet, the ability to ask for help is an important life skill that not only helps us survive, but can make us feel loved, supported and connected.

On this episode, we hear stories about what happens when different people ask for help — from the struggles of a nurse and comedian to make herself vulnerable, to the dark side of GoFundMe, to how helpful a chatbot can really be for our mental health.

Also heard on this week’s episode:

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal