Asking for Help
Do you find it easy to ask for help/assistance for things that may not be as easy for you as they used to be? If so, please share what your experience has been like.
So far I only need to ask for help with driving. I can drive locally okay but I need a driver when necessary to drive In large towns or unfamiliar areas. I am blessed to have my daughter and brother always willing to help me. Our family is very close and we help each other. It might be hard for me to ask a friend for help. Sharon Moore advocate
Having family to help in challenging times is such a blessing! I can understand how it almost feels easier to ask family for help, knowing that they have been familiar with your condition and challenges for longer than anyone else may. Thank you for sharing. All my best, Abby (Team Member).
I mostly need help with transportation for injection appointments and activities that extend past sundown. I do have family members who will help and they have never complained, but still, I worry about burdening them. I have always been so independent, and have always gone out of my way to help others but receiving is so much harder than giving. I worry that they might actually resent my requests and are simply not telling me.
So far, I haven't had to ask for help much (except for eye appointments, which my husband drives to) but the time is coming. I know that. I am reluctant to ask, but.... I have helped others in the past, so maybe I can ask with that in mind?
I love your outlook on this! I agree with @Brown Eyed Girl and think that most people in your life (especially that you have helped in the past) would be happy to help you out, knowing the progression of your condition. Vulnerability can be scary, but it truly is a strength and can bring people closer together in the end. Wishing you all the best. Thank you for being a part of this community. - Abby, Team Member.
I have told family and others that it is important to ask for help, when you need help. By not asking for help when you need it does not help you and insults those you do not ask by assuming they will not help you.
People want to help you, you would be surprised at how willing others are to help you. I have said this for years to family and staff, and yet I rarely ask for help. The pandemic as well as my AMD is teaching me to ask for help and bringing the lessons home to me. I am very humbled by the lessons I am learning having AMD, needing help at times and asking for what I need . I do not need a lot of help at this time however I am practicing asking for help now so when I am in critical need of help I will know how to ask, and not feel bad about asking for help.having to ask for help is a humbling experience for any of us. You are wise to accept help as needed. We have an invisible condition so people are unaware of our need unless we ask. I have found most people very willing to help if asked. Best wishes, Sharon Moore Advocate
