a cry for help - You make a joke about something really sad, like being lonel

You make a joke about something really sad, like being lonely, wanting to die, or having zero friends. You hope someone gets it.

I said, 'I'm so lonely I could die,' and it was a cry for help.

I joked, 'I want to commit suicide,' and it was a cry for help.

I said, 'I have no friends and no life,' and it was a cry for help.