It’s 2022. This means it’s high time that the antiquated beliefs about gender stereotypes imposed by society on people be forgotten and unlearned. Among these is the idea that men should be immovable pillars of strength — never shows emotion, never wavers, and never asks for help. But this is not only untrue; it’s also incredibly damaging.
Asking for help does not make anyone weak. Actually, it can be quite the opposite because it takes a lot of courage to admit that you need assistance and shows that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. So if you’ve been led to believe that you’re being weak at the mere thought of asking for help, then it’s time to unlearn that harmful way of thinking.
Now, this isn’t to say that you should constantly ask for help with everything — that would be exhausting for you and the people you’re always leaning on. But there are times when it is appropriate, helpful, and even necessary to ask for assistance. Here are some:
1. When you’re struggling with your mental health
Your mental health should always be a priority, and if you find yourself struggling, it’s vital to seek professional help. This could mean talking to a therapist or counselor, joining a support group, or even just confiding in a trusted friend or family member. The point is that you should never suffer in silence.
If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Although it might be frightening to admit that you’re not okay because it makes the situation more real, it’s necessary so that you can get the help you need. So, try to open up to someone little by little until you feel comfortable enough to talk about what’s going on.
2. When you’re feeling overwhelmed
There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help to get through whatever it is you’re dealing with. Everyone has a breaking point, and it’s important to recognize when yours is approaching. If you find yourself constantly stressing out and unable to focus on anything, it might be time to ask for help.
This could be in the form of taking on some of your responsibilities and tasks at work or even just having someone to talk to about what’s going on in your life. Sometimes, all anyone needs is someone to lend them an ear and offer some words of encouragement. But other times, they’ll also need a helping hand.
For example, if you’re already worried about the backlogs at work, and you come home to clogged gutters that cause a flood in your basement, it would be perfectly understandable to reach out to someone and ask for help to fix the mess. Or, you could hire professional roof cleaners to take care of your gutters and prevent that from happening again.
3. When you’re facing a difficult situation
Everyone faces challenging situations from time to time, whether it’s a personal issue or something at work. And while it’s tempting to try to power through them on your own, sometimes the best thing you can do is reach out for help. Besides, it’s always better to have someone by your side when you’re going through a tough time.
This could be in the form of advice from someone who’s been through a similar situation, or it could be more practical assistance, like help with childcare or transportation. For instance, going to therapy can be incredibly helpful if you’re going through a divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.
Or, say you’re dealing with a demanding customer at work. In that case, perhaps speaking to your boss or HR department would be the best course of action. Whatever the situation may be, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
4. When you’re trying to learn something new
Trying to learn something new can be frustrating, especially if you feel like you’re not making any progress. The frustration you feel can often be enough to make you want to give up entirely. But instead of quitting outright, why not try asking for help? In these cases, asking someone who’s already knowledgeable about the subject can help give you some pointers.
There’s no shame in admitting that you need help to learn something new. After all, it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and ask for help. So, if you’re struggling to learn a new skill or trade, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who can give you the guidance you need.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. So if you need assistance, don’t be afraid to reach out — some people are more than happy to help. Just be sure to only ask for help when it’s genuinely needed, and be grateful for the assistance you receive.
