Asking for Backup Instead of Pushing Through

In direct support, there’s an unspoken expectation that DSPs should “handle it” on their own. From managing challenging behaviors to juggling multiple tasks, pushing through is often seen as a badge of dedication. But the reality is that constantly pushing without support leads to mistakes, burnout, and missed opportunities for meaningful care.

Asking for backup isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a professional skill that protects safety, strengthens teams, and ensures high-quality support.

Why We Push Through

DSPs are passionate about the people they support. They want to be reliable, helpful, and competent. They know emergencies happen, schedules are tight, and the work is never done.

This sense of responsibility can make asking for help feel like failing. Common beliefs include:

• “I should be able to handle this on my own.”

• “If I ask for help, I’m letting the person down.”

• “Other staff are busy; I don’t want to bother them.”

While these thoughts come from care and commitment, they can quietly erode well-being and quality of support.

The Risks of Pushing Through

Handling everything alone may feel productive in the moment, but it has long-term costs:

• Physical and emotional exhaustion: Trying to do too much drains energy needed for attention, patience, and safety.

• Increased risk of mistakes: Fatigue and stress can compromise judgment, documentation, and safety.

• Impact on relationships: Frustration or overwhelm can spill over into interactions with housemates, coworkers, and families.

• Burnout and turnover: Over time, unsustainable self-reliance contributes to DSPs leaving the field.

Asking for backup isn’t just for emergencies—it’s a preventative measure that protects everyone.

Asking for Backup is Strategic, Not Weak

Effective DSPs know when to step back and call for help. This shows awareness, professionalism, and foresight.

Some key moments when asking for support is appropriate:

• When a situation feels unsafe or escalating

• When multiple needs require attention at once

• When a new or unfamiliar person requires extra guidance

• When fatigue or stress is impacting your focus

• When a shift has overlapping responsibilities that cannot reasonably be completed alone

Asking for backup in these moments ensures the person supported remains safe, the work is done effectively, and relationships remain positive.

How to Ask for Backup

Clear, respectful communication makes requesting support easy and professional. Examples include:

• “Can you step in for a few minutes? I need support with [situation].”

• “This is escalating, and I could use an extra set of hands.”

• “I’m feeling stretched with [tasks]; can you help me prioritize or assist?”

• “I need a break for a moment so I can reset and return fully present.”

Framing the request around the needs of the people you support—not your own stress—reinforces professionalism and prevents stigma around asking for help.

Creating a Culture Where Asking is Normal

Leadership and team culture shape whether DSPs feel comfortable asking for backup. Supervisors can model and encourage this behavior by:

• Responding positively to requests for help

• Recognizing teamwork as a strength, not a failure

• Normalizing sharing responsibilities during challenging shifts

• Reinforcing that safety and quality matter more than individual heroics

Teams that value collaboration over individual endurance are safer, more effective, and retain staff longer.

Long-Term Benefits

When DSPs ask for backup instead of pushing through:

• Safety improves for everyone

• Quality of support remains consistent

• Staff feel valued and supported

• Stress is managed before it becomes overwhelming

• Burnout is prevented

Asking for help is not just about surviving a shift—it’s about sustaining a career, building trust, and delivering meaningful support.

Conclusion

Direct support work is demanding, but no one is expected to handle it alone. Asking for backup is a professional strategy, not a personal failing. It protects safety, preserves relationships, strengthens teams, and ensures that DSPs can continue doing the work they care about with energy, focus, and purpose.

Pushing through may feel heroic in the moment, but asking for support is what allows DSPs to be heroes every day—without running themselves into the ground.