Learning to ask for help is one of the hardest lessons for many to learn. You may look at requesting aid as making yourself vulnerable and admitting you can’t do everything on your own. In a go-go-go world, even the perception of slowing down and reaching out for assistance can be perceived as weakness.
But asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. Only the strongest people can admit they need a helping hand. Often this assist makes a huge difference in your life.
First, you have to give yourself permission to need help. You likely have had many people reach out to you for help before. Did you judge them? Probably not. Don’t hold yourself to a different standard. There are many advantages to learning to ask for help.
The Benefits of Asking for Help
One of the best reasons to ask for assistance is that when other people help you, you can get what you need faster. For example, if you needed help cooking dinner, reaching out for help would make the task go quicker. With two people, you can chop veggies, set the table and prepare the pasta in about half the time.
Requesting help also encourages you to get closer to others. Opening yourself up to receive assistance means relating, which is an essential need for every person. A shared experience, even at a time when you struggle, can increase empathy and understanding. It makes you feel as though you are not the only person going through a tough time, making you feel less alone, too.
You also feel grateful when someone helps you. This can help reduce fear and depression. You see kindness in someone else, and you appreciate that quality.
Finally, you can feel more confident in your own ability to change and grow when you ask for help. Achieving this “growth mindset” reinforces that it’s common to need assistance and common to give it. You will feel less afraid or disappointed when you can’t solve a problem yourself. Instead, you can recognize the importance of allowing others to assist you in getting where you want to go.
Asking for Help Quotes
Need additional inspiration for seeking help? These quotes show you how life-changing this simple act can be:
- “In my deepest, darkest moments, what really got me through was a prayer. ‘Help me.'” — Iyanla Vanzant
- “Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself — and especially to feel.” — Jim Morrison
- “Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.” — Karen Salmansohn
- “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.” — Dalai Lama
Are you ready to reach out for help in dealing with your addiction? Contact 7 Summit Pathways Treatment and Recovery Center or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can assist you or a family member.