I realize sometimes I need to ask for help/make my needs known in order for me to be able to show up the best for myself and my s/o.

Here is a helpful list of things to ask for when feeling overwhelmed. Feel free to adapt to your dynamic

THINGS TO ASK FOR HELP:

Emotional support and understanding.

Help with household chores.

Preparing meals or ordering your favorite food.

Running errands like grocery shopping.

Managing appointments or schedules.

Gentle reminders for medication or supplements.

Massage to alleviate cramps or discomfort.

Providing heating pads or comfort items.

Accompanying you for a short walk for fresh air.

Listening without judgment or trying to "fix" things.

Watching a comforting movie or show together.

Encouraging relaxation and rest.

Assisting with pet care, if applicable.

Light physical activities together, like yoga.

Ensuring you stay hydrated.

Offering hugs and physical comfort.

Sharing lighthearted or positive stories.

Respecting your need for space, if needed.

Helping with laundry or light cleaning.

Planning low-energy activities for distraction.

Being patient and compassionate.

Ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment.

Helping with self-care routines.

Gentle encouragement and positive affirmations.

Being available for phone calls or texts for support.

Assisting with managing mood swings.

Providing a listening ear for venting.

Helping maintain a balanced diet.

Accompanying you to medical appointments, if needed.

Offering a shoulder to cry on, if needed.

Giving gentle reminders for self-care.

Assisting with simple tasks that feel overwhelming.

Being understanding about changes in plans.

Reminding you of your strengths and capabilities.

Planning a relaxing day together.

Encouraging hobbies or activities you enjoy.

Helping to create a peaceful home environment.

Acknowledging and validating your feelings.

Assisting with transportation needs.

Being flexible with social commitments.

Helping to manage stress or anxiety.

Providing comfort foods or treats.

Encouraging healthy sleep habits.

Offering to read or watch something together.

Being mindful of your physical comfort.

Helping to maintain a routine.

Assisting with organizing or decluttering.

Providing reassurance and security.

Supporting your decision-making.

Being a steady, calm presence.

Things to Avoid:

Planning high-energy or stressful activities.

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THINGS TO AVOID:

Ignoring or downplaying your feelings.

Making major decisions or changes.

Engaging in intense or heated arguments.

Overbooking social engagements.

Exposing you to triggers of stress or anxiety.

Criticizing or making light of your symptoms.

Forcing conversations when you need quiet.

Suggesting you "snap out of it" or trivializing your experience.

Introducing new or unfamiliar challenges.

Overwhelming you with questions or demands.

Pressuring you for physical intimacy.

Making sudden changes to routines.

Exposing you to loud or chaotic environments.

Neglecting your need for extra rest.

Introducing complex or difficult topics of conversation.

Expecting you to keep up with regular responsibilities.

Forgetting or ignoring your preferences and needs.

Overstimulating environments or activities.

Encouraging unhealthy eating or lifestyle habits.

Insisting on activities that require a lot of energy.

Ignoring signs of your discomfort or distress.

Being dismissive of your emotional state.

Forcing social interactions when you're not up for it.

Introducing stressful news or topics.

Failing to provide emotional or physical space when needed.

Ignoring or forgetting about important self-care practices.

Making jokes at your expense regarding your symptoms.

Pushing you to engage in physical activities.

Disregarding your requests for help or support.

Expecting you to maintain high productivity levels.

Forgetting to check in on your well-being.

Imposing unrealistic expectations or standards.

Failing to recognize when you need quiet or solitude.

Insisting on discussions that can wait for a better time.

Not being attentive to changes in your mood or behavior.

Disregarding your need for specific comfort measures.

Encouraging activities that could exacerbate symptoms.

Overloading you with information or tasks.

Ignoring cues that you need to slow down or take a break.

Introducing new or stressful topics unnecessarily.

Failing to acknowledge the validity of your feelings.

Putting pressure on you to act as if everything is normal.

Not being patient with your fluctuating mood.

Encouraging late nights or disrupting sleep patterns.

Failing to offer help or assistance when clearly needed.

Engaging in behaviors that could heighten your anxiety.

Forgetting the importance of gentle, non-judgmental support.

Overlooking the impact of hormonal changes on your well-being.

Neglecting to appreciate the effort you're making to cope.