Whether it’s due to pride, the fear of looking weak, or not wanting to bother anyone with our burdens, we all have different reasons for why we prefer not to reach out for help. Many people suffer in silence, rather than admit that they can’t do everything on their own. Not judging you, I was once this person.
While it’s common for people to think that asking for help is a sign of weakness, it isn’t. It’s actually a sign of strength. We aren’t meant to deal with life alone and by ourselves. When you ask for help, you are allowing yourself to be helped to get what you need. Here are some reasons why you should ask for more help.
You just may receive help
During my time in college, I always struggled to pay my tuition in time to register for the next semester’s classes. One semester, I owed my school so much money that I didn’t know how I could pay it off in time for registration. Instead of finding solutions, I kept my problem to myself, thinking nobody would care to help me. One evening, I was talking to a friend in the library. I informed him about my financial struggles, and he directed me to a staff member who helps people who specialise in that area. I went to her, and she helped me set up a payment plan to pay my tuition off, and then she let me register for classes.
I realized that if I didn’t ask for help, I wouldn’t have received it. Sometimes it’s really that simple to ask someone if you need help. I am not trying to be religious, but even the bible says, “You do not have, because you do not ask.” Ask, and you shall receive.
Connecting with others and not being alone
According to an NPR report, 61% of Americans reported feeling lonely. Over half of the people in the country feel as if they are alone in this world. In return, they choose to be closed off. According to a small study, 3 in 4 people in America don’t ask for help unless they absolutely need it.
As stated earlier, people don’t want to ask for help because they don’t want to be a burden to people. So they rather suffer. But asking for help is a great way to connect with others and attain resources. One thing that surprised me about the staff member who helped me register for classes was how willing she was to help me. It also taught me that a great number of people would love to help others if they needed it. When you allow people to help you, it builds trust between you and that person.
Builds problem-solving skills
Asking other people for help is great for gaining insight into how to solve your issues. Receiving help is usually from people with more experience than you in different areas. You are building problem-solving skills, as well as learning new skills, each time you ask for help. Asking for help creates better, stronger, and more successful results than not asking for it.
You have nothing to lose asking for help. Put away the limiting beliefs that are stopping you from receiving the help you need. Remember if you ask for help, you just may receive it. Also, most of us go without simply because we don’t ask.
Final thoughts
asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. It allows us to receive the resources and support we need to overcome our struggles. When we choose to suffer in silence, we miss out on the opportunity to connect with others, gain new skills, and build problem-solving abilities. By asking for help, we can build trust with others and create stronger and more successful outcomes. So let’s put aside our fears and pride, and start asking for help when we need it. Remember, asking for help is not a burden, it’s a gift.
Kenneth Oliver is a mental health advocate.
