When should an individual seek assistance for stress management?

An individual should seek assistance for stress management when their personal coping skills are not effective in dealing with stressors. This situation indicates that the individual may have reached a point where their usual strategies for managing stress are inadequate, suggesting a need for external support or intervention.

Recognizing that personal coping mechanisms are failing is a crucial step in understanding one's mental health needs. It reflects self-awareness and the acknowledgment that professional help could provide new strategies, tools, or therapies that might be more effective. While feeling overwhelmed at work, receiving concern from friends, or only seeking help during emergencies are all important factors to consider, they do not specifically highlight the moment when an individual recognizes a need for professional assistance and the limitations of their current strategies. Therefore, option B is the most indicative of a proactive approach to managing stress effectively.