In general, I've found that people are usually so wrapped up in themselves to notice someone else is hurting and needs/wants support. However, if you reach out to them, they would gladly give you what support they can give at the moment. It may not be much or it may be enough. Unless they're a close friend, people generally don't know you're hurting unless you tell them.

I used to do the same thing you do: cry until someone notices and asks me what's wrong. I'd tell them; they would sympathize and offer advice. Then I would shoot them down. After awhile people stopped asking me what was wrong.