When “You Got This Feels” Like a Slap
This guide is for anyone who’s ever been “pepped” when they needed to be heard.
You share something raw—nerves, overwhelm, doubt—and someone drops a “You got this!” Like a fist bump to the face. It’s meant to uplift, but it shuts the door. Suddenly, you’re alone, quietly falling apart.
The truth? Most of us don’t know how to ask for deeper support—especially in a world obsessed with positivity and resilience. We don’t want to seem needy, so we shrink. We spin. We self-soothe in silence. And we settle for cheerleading when what we actually need is help, co-regulation, or room to feel what’s real.
Here Are 15 Responses to Ask for More Support
👉 “You got this!”
💬 “I don’t feel like I do right now. Can you help me figure out how to approach this?”
👉 “You’ll do great!”
💬 “I hope so, but I’m feeling really unsure. Can I talk through what’s coming up for me?”
👉 “You’re stronger than you think.”
💬 “That might be true, but I feel really drained. I could use some actual support right now.”
👉 “You’ve handled worse.”
💬 “I probably have, but this still feels like a lot. Can you just be with me in it for a minute?”
👉 “Just trust yourself.”
💬 “I’m trying, but I feel kind of lost. Can you help me think this through?”
👉 “It’s all going to work out.”
💬 “Maybe it will, but right now I need to talk about how hard this feels. Can you listen for a bit?”
👉 “Don’t stress!”
💬 “I’m already stressed. What I really need is to feel like I’m not alone in this.”
👉 “Take it one step at a time.”
💬 “I don’t even know what the first step is. Can you help me break it down?”
👉 “You always figure it out.
💬 “This time, I don’t know if I can. Can we talk about some options or just vent together?”
👉 “You’ll be fine.”
💬 “I’m not sure I will be. Can I talk through what’s making me anxious?”
👉 “You’re so capable!”
💬 “Maybe, but I’m really overwhelmed right now. Can I lean on you a little?”
👉 “Just breathe.”
💬 “Breathing helps, but I also need to express what’s happening. Can you hold space for that?”
👉 “Everything happens for a reason.”
💬 “That might be true, but I’m in the middle of it and it sucks. I need some empathy right now.”
👉 “Think positive.”
💬 “Optimism’s nice, but I need to feel my feelings too. Can we talk honestly for a moment?”
👉 “At least [insert silver lining]…”
💬 “I know you’re trying to help, but I just need someone to validate that this is hard.”
You’re Allowed to Ask for More
You’re not too much. You’re not “needy.” You’re not failing for needing support that goes deeper than bumper-sticker advice.
Try one of these responses this week. Just one.
See how it feels to name what you really need—softly, clearly, unapologetically.
That’s not a weakness. That’s strength in its most honest form.
You don’t have to do this alone. And no—sometimes, you don’t “got this.”
But together, we can get through it.
What’s next?
Will you try one of these support requests with a coach or a friend you trust?
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Will you share this with your network if you find it helpful?