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Why is it so hard for so many of us to ask for help when we are struggling? We hesitate to discuss  our problems in hopes that they will go away.  We often feel as if we would be a bother to our friends and family. Plus, “what could they really do”, is often our mindset so we keep our problems to ourselves. But why do we do this?  What is it about asking for help when we are struggling emotionally makes up stop and continue without it?  There seems to be a misconception in society that asking for help mean we are weak, stupid or that it’s embarrassing. 

I’m not really sure when this happens though. As little kids, we are always asking for help and we never hesitate. We are uninhibited and ask questions when we need answers. We ask for help when we can’t do something ourselves or can’t figure something out. Maybe as our teachers and parents try to teach us to be independent so we begin to as though feel asking for help at all becomes wrong or a burden. 

I recently switched my blog theme. I figured I could do it myself. It seemed as though the other bloggers were getting theirs all set up on their own. How hard could it be? Well, I tried.  I tried for weeks. I got frustrated and took and break. Then went at it again. I was determined to figure it out on my own. Im smart enough. I’m also stubborn. However, computers and tech are not my specialty. I didn’t even have computers in college. My brain simply doesn’t grasp these concepts. So, after trying and not succeeding, I asked for help. In a random conversation with my neighbor who was moving out, he told me he was freelancing building websites until he found a full time job! That was it. I hired him to help me and what a relief it was to have an “expert” help me navigate through something I knew nothing about. Easy. 

Why  don’t we do this when we are struggling with our mental health? Imagine if we asked for help whenever something was bothering our mind as quickly as we go to the doctor for the flu, or a nagging cough that doesn’t go away. Instead of worrying about what others might think, we would simply start feeling better sooner. 

So, let’s make a deal. Ok?  Let’s start asking each other for help again like when we were kids. Know who is in your circle. Heck, just ask anyone if you really are struggling. Whether it’s help for setting up a website, or help with depression, just ask. We need to be sure we teach our children it’s ok to still ask for help. Let’s not squash that. The best way to teach other is by doing it yourself.  Let’s be the example for those around us. Ask for help. How can I help you??