It’s okay to ask for help: Why reaching out is a sign of strength.

By: Marissa Pollet

When life feels overwhelming, it can be tempting to bottle up our struggles and push through on our own. Many of us struggle asking for help, thinking that it is a sign of weakness, but in reality, the opposite is true. Reaching out to others in times of need is a healthy and courageous act that can lead to healing and growth. Once help is received it can lessen our burdens but how do we start that process and gain strength to do so? Let’s explore some practical ways to get better at leaning on others when we need it the most.

Why Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength

1. It Acknowledges Your Humanity

No one can handle everything alone, it’s simply not possible. We have families and friends for a reason as they are designed to be a support system. By leaning on others, you’re recognizing that life is a shared experience. Everyone faces challenges, and asking for help reflects an understanding of your limits, not a weakness.

2. It Builds Resilience

Accepting help equips you with resources and perspectives that strengthen your ability to navigate challenges. Whether it’s emotional, practical, or professional support, reaching out fosters growth and resilience. It provides you with the framework to face future challenges embracing the fact that you conquered hardships in your past.

3. It Deepens Relationships

Vulnerability is the cornerstone of meaningful connections. When you allow others to support you, you foster trust and intimacy in your relationships, which benefits both parties. The sheer act of “helping” makes you feel amazing inside and in return allows the other individual to feel a great sense of gratitude. These two emotions combined create a beautiful circle of positive feelings. Sometimes it can be the simple act of helping another person that can get the ball rolling and lower our inabilities to ask for help in the future.

4. It Sets an Example

By asking for help, you show others that it’s okay to do the same. This act can create a ripple effect, encouraging those around you to lean on others especially when they notice who they can rely on in time of need.

How to Get Comfortable Asking for Help

If asking for help doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t worry. It’s a skill you can develop over time. Here are some steps to help you learn to lean on others:

Shift Your Perspective

• Remind yourself that everyone needs help sometimes.

• Understand that asking for help is a sign of self-awareness, not failure.

• View help as a partnership rather than a burden—you’re giving others the opportunity to care for

  you, which makes them feel needed and fulfilled.

  Start Small

• Begin by asking for help with simple, everyday tasks. For example, ask a friend to carpool for after school activities. It’s a win-win for both parties.

• Gradually build up to sharing more significant challenges you need help with as you grow more comfortable.

  Identify Your Support Network

• Make a list of trusted friends, family members, or professionals you can turn to.

• Think about the strengths of each person in your network—who is good at listening, offering

  practical solutions, or simply being there? If you find the right people to have in your corner that are reliable and eager to help, the more at ease you will be with relinquishing control.

  Practice Clear Communication

• Be specific about what you need. Instead of saying, “I’m struggling,” try, “I’m feeling really stressed about [specific issue]. If a friend or family member has a clear understanding of your needs the easier it will be for them to provide the help you need.

• Set boundaries and let the person know how they can best support you.

  Practical Ways to Build a Habit of Reaching Out

• Journal About Your Struggles: Writing down your thoughts can help you identify areas where you need support.

• Practice Gratitude: Recognize and appreciate the help you receive, no matter how small—it reinforces a positive cycle. A simple thank you goes along way. Make sure the person on the receiving end feels appreciated and valued.

• Join a Community: Whether it’s a hobby group, a faith-based organization, or an online forum, being part of a community makes it easier to ask for and offer support.

  A Horizon of Help

  Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s one of the bravest and healthiest things you can do. It shows strength, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow. Life isn’t meant to be navigated alone, and there’s no shame in leaning on others during tough times.

By practicing small steps and gradually building your comfort with reaching out, you can create a life where support is not only available but also welcomed. Remember, help is a bridge and it can lead you to places you might not reach on your own. So, the next time you feel you are struggling, pause, take a breath, and allow yourself to be venerable and ask for help. You are worthy of support!

Our team of caring professionals at Inspired Wellness are here to provide support and guidance towards your path of mental wellness. We believe that every individual has the ability to be the best version of themselves and our goal is to set you up with the tools to maintain a well-balanced life that will place you on the path towards lifelong change. We strive to create a non-judgmental environment coupled with therapeutic practices that are tailored towards each individual. At Inspired Wellness our team aims to do exactly as our name says, inspire you towards a beautiful life of strength and wellness!