Be Deliberate
Being deliberate provides a gamete of opportunities that you mean business.
One way of handling trauma is to ensure you trust yourself as to what you are feeling, how you are feeling, and what you need.
If you are asking for help, be deliberate in your choice of words. The words “need”, “want”, and “deserve” among other positive statements are empowering.
In the same vane, be deliberate not to blame them. Blame takes away your power. Do unto others.
I like the phrase, “Do what you say, Say what you do”. Follow through is essential. They will catch on. Hopefully, they will become a source of support. And if not, that is okay too.