Why it’s hard to ask for help
Tags: Community, Help, Volunteering, Covid 19, Connection

Sometimes it can be tough for us to ask for help because we don’t want to admit to ourselves that we could use it. We all get a feeling of accomplishment from being able to tackle problems on our own- it’s great to know that we can handle our own challenges. But we’re not alone in the world, and it’s important to remember that everyone needs help every now and then. That’s why we live in communities, and why everyone is looking forward to being able to be a part of them again soon. Even when we know it will be worth it in the end, it can certainly be hard to take the first step for several reasons.

Why it’s hard to ask for help

Pride

Nobody likes the feeling that we can’t do what we need to do, but it’s important not to let pride get in the way of reaching out to our fellow community members and asking for some assistance. Consider it from another’s point of view. What would you think if someone else asked you for help? Chances are, you would be happy to offer your help in any way you could to improve someone else’s day or help them take care of something important!

You don’t know anyone who can help

Whether you are new in town, or are surrounded by well-meaning but extremely busy friends who don’t have the time to devote to helping others, it’s common not to know who to turn to when you are looking for someone to help with household tasks, childcare, or even just looking for someone who enjoys the same hobbies you do with whom to spend time. When you feel like everyone is unavailable, it can make you feel stuck, stressed, and unsure of where to turn.

You don’t want to be a burden

Even if your loved ones live nearby, you may worry that you will place too big a burden on them if you ask for their help. Especially when you’d like recurring assistance and you know your family and friends are busy, it’s very common to feel like you will be making their lives too difficult by asking. You don’t want to add to others’ long list of tasks in their lives, or cause someone you love any kind of stress, so you don’t ask them for their help.

Help can be expensive

When you are one of the above situations, you may not know what else to do but seek out professional help- someone to come paint the house, clean the rain gutters, or babysit the kids. Upon looking into those services though, you might find that it can get pricey to hire someone, especially if you are looking for a long-term solution. It may be a financial strain, and it may even be impossible. That’s where Help-Full comes in- members can use Time Tokens, instead of money, to get needed help. Members get Time Tokens every time they help someone else.

The gift of asking for help

While it may seem at first glance that asking for help is about asking others to do something for you, it is also about giving yourself a gift. Remember the lack of control that made you feel anxious and unsure about what to do? When you receive the help you need from others, you set yourself free of that stress. Gaining a sense of control about your life is a wonderful thing, and you may find that it’s the best thing you can do for yourself in a difficult situation. Crossing items off the to do list is one of life’s satisfying moments that sounds small but feels like a big deal. You may get even more than that out of the experience of receiving help!

Connection and community

When you do get the help you’d like, you might click with your helper and make a new friend! Maybe you can become his or her helper on something else, like teaching a new hobby or even simply enjoying each other’s company. When you get the help you need and gain a connection, everybody wins. Making a new friend or two can also help you feel like you are still part of your community as we make our way back toward normalcy from the pandemic. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and help is on the way.

Help-Full’s app comes out this spring- we’re excited to see you there!