How to Ask for Help in an Online Anxiety Community

You can ask for help without telling the group your whole story. You do not have to share everything at once — start by reading a few posts, then share only the part you feel ready to discuss.

• Use a private username and remove details such as your location, workplace, school, or family names.
• Write your post in notes first, then shorten it to one problem and one specific question.
• Say clearly that you are nervous and not ready to give more details.
• If the community allows it, message a moderator or trusted member privately first.
• You can simply reply to someone else’s post before starting your own.

You could write: “I’m nervous about sharing this publicly. I’m dealing with something difficult and would appreciate advice about how to cope today. I’m not ready to explain everything yet.”

Your message seems to have stopped after “but”. If there is more you wanted to ask, you can send the rest.