You can choose different levels of support from different people. This page helps you identify who feels dependable for a specific need and what boundaries make contact more manageable. You do not owe anyone your full story.
Match people to roles
One person may help with a ride, another may listen, and a professional may help with assessment or treatment. Include services and community spaces as well as individuals. A person who is close to you is not automatically a safe or suitable support.
Choose what to share
Decide what you want to ask for and what you prefer to keep private. For example, "I am having a hard day and could use company. I do not want to discuss details." Plan an alternative if someone cannot help or does not respect the boundary.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
- A need I want support with and a person or service suited to it
- What I am willing to share and what I want to keep private
- The request or boundary I could say
- My alternative if the response is unavailable or unhelpful