Leah (Yaxun) Liu
Registered Clinical Counsellor #17641
Seeking Support Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Think about a plant. Even the most beautiful, strong plant needs sunshine and water to grow. If a plant doesn’t get rain for a long time, it starts to feel dry. Its leaves might droop.
Does this mean the plant is weak? No! It just means it needs a little extra help. It needs some water from a watering can or rain from the sky. With that help, it can stand tall and strong again.
People are a lot like plants. We all have times when we feel a little “dry” on the inside—times when we feel sad, worried, or overwhelmed. Asking for support during these times is like giving yourself a drink of water. It is a smart and healthy thing to do. It helps you grow. It is a sign that you know how to take care of yourself.
When Things Feel Too Heavy
Sometimes, our brains and hearts get filled with feelings that are hard to handle alone. Here are some signs that it might be time to ask for help:
- Feeling Alone: Feeling like no one understands you, even when you are with friends or family.
- Worries: Worrying a lot, about big things or small things, and you can’t make the worries stop.
- Challenging Emotions: Feeling sad, angry, or grumpy most of the time, and you’re not sure why.
- Everything is Too Much: Feeling like you have too many things to do and you just can’t keep up.
- Keeping Secrets: Hiding your feelings because you are scared people will think you are not strong.
If you feel any of these things, you are not alone. Everyone feels this way sometimes.
Simple Steps to Use Your Strength
Asking for support might seem scary at first, but it gets easier. Here are a few simple ways to start:
1. Find Your Person.
Think of one or two people you trust. This could be a family member, a teacher, a friend, or a coach. You don’t have to tell everyone your feelings, just one safe person.
2. Start with Small Words.
You don’t have to know the perfect thing to say. You can start with easy phrases like:
- “Can I talk to you about something?”
- “I’ve been feeling really worried lately.”
- “I’m having a hard time, and I need some help.”
3. Talk to a Pro (Like a Counsellor)!
A counsellor is like a coach for your feelings. They don’t tell you what to do. Instead, they give you the tools and help you figure out how to solve your problems. It’s a safe place where you can talk about anything without feeling judged.
4. Remember, It’s a Team Sport.
Asking for help is like being on a team. Even the best players in the world have coaches and teammates. They don’t do everything alone. You are the captain of your team, and a counsellor or a trusted person is just one of your helpful teammates.
So, is asking for help a sign of weakness? No way! It is a sign of great strength. It means you are smart enough to know when you need a teammate and brave enough to ask for one.
You are building your life, just as you grow your precious plant. Let people who care about you help you build it strong and beautiful.
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation today to find your teammate at Brentwood Counselling Centre!