Asking for help can make anyone feel vulnerable. However, it’s important to remember that everybody needs help sometimes. No matter how capable you are, nobody can do everything by themselves.

Nevertheless, it is common to hesitate about asking for help if you suffer from a disability, especially one that is invisible to others. Often, we feel like a burden when we need any form of help. We’re afraid to ask lest our requests be met with hostility or negativity. While these fears are valid, asking for help doesn’t have to be a struggle.

Asking a Loved One for Help

When it comes to asking for help with your disability, understand that your loved ones would likely not think twice about helping you. They love you, and people that love you are most often willing to help when you’re in need. You are not at fault for the challenges you face, and the people who support you know this. If you’ve tried to complete a task on your own and you’re struggling, it’s okay to politely request a hand. Many times, a loved one will see your struggle and offer you assistance before you have to ask.

Asking Strangers for Help

It is not ideal having to rely on the kindness of strangers, but sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we need assistance and the only one who can provide it is someone we don’t know. Much like with a loved one, a stranger is generally willing to help when you ask politely, especially when he or she can see that you’ve already tried to accomplish your task by yourself.

Ask for what you need clearly. For example, “Excuse me, can you grab me that [item] on the shelf? I can’t reach it from my wheelchair.” If a stranger helps you, be sure to say thank you. That way, they know that you appreciate their kindness, even if they helped you with something relatively small.

Handling Rejection

Should you come across someone who refuses to help you, try not to let it make you feel discouraged. Remember, it’s not your fault that you’re in a difficult situation and you’re likely to come across more helpful people than uncooperative people. You didn’t do anything wrong asking for aid, and remembering this will help you feel a little less hesitant about asking the next time.