Why seeking help is a sign of strength?
February 27, 2025
When it comes to asking for help, many of us hesitate. But why? Why do we hold back when we don’t even know how others will respond? The answer could be a simple "yes" or perhaps a "no," but regardless, it’s always worth asking.
Instead, we often choose to struggle alone rather than reach out. Here are some common reasons why, as highlighted by Professor Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries in the Harvard Business Review (2023):
Fear of appearing vulnerable
– For some of us who feel uncertain about ourselves or are deeply concerned with how others perceive us, asking for help can feel challenging. We worry that it will make us seem less capable or independent. Sometimes, we may also experience self-doubt, fearing that others will question our abilities. As a result, we might distance ourselves from others and try to handle everything on our own.
Fear of rejection – Many of us tend to overestimate the chances of hearing 'no' when we ask for help. If we tie rejection to our self-worth, it can feel like a significant barrier. However, it’s important to remember that there are many reasons someone might not be available to help, and it’s NOT a reflection of our value or worth.
The need for independence – When prioritising self-reliance and independence, asking for help can feel uncomfortable. For many of us, cultural or family influences may have shaped the belief that we should be able to handle everything on our own. We’re used to navigating challenges solo, and situations that require teamwork can feel unfamiliar or even tricky. Therefore, reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but remember that it doesn’t diminish our independence.
Lack of trust in others (and even in ourselves!) – Some of us hesitate to ask for help because we're unsure if we'll receive the support we need, or we may question whether others truly care or if we’re worthy of support. Past experiences—whether feeling dismissed, let down, or unheard—can make it hard to trust others and sometimes even ourselves. We may worry about being a burden or fear that seeking help will make us seem selfish or dependent. Over time, this can lead to prioritising others’ needs while ignoring our own.
The Truth? You’re Not Alone.
These feelings are valid—and trust me, I get it. I’ve been there too. I’ve hesitated, convinced myself I should handle everything alone, and ended up completely burned out. But here’s what I’ve learned:
Seeking Help = Strength, Not Weakness
Change is hard. Think about how many times we set goals (like going to the gym consistently) and struggle to stick with them. But growth isn’t about getting it right all the time—it’s about taking small steps forward.
Did you know that asking for help actually makes you stronger? According to Core Confidence (2024), real strength comes from knowing your own abilities and allowing others to contribute theirs. By playing to our strengths and leaning on the strengths of others, we create win-win situations.
Take the First Step
Start with something simple:
“Do you have a moment to help me with this?”
And be open to the possibility of hearing "no." Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human, and you’re strong enough to make a step closer to loving yourself.
If reaching out feels too overwhelming, you’re not alone.
At Mental Health Foundation Australia, we offer low-cost to free professional and peer support services in a safe, non-judgmental environment for you to share your stories and ask for help without hesitation. We believe everyone deserves support, no matter where they are in their journey.
Don’t hesitate to talk to us—we’re all ears!
Written by Vy Nguyen
The nature of friendship There is no specific way to define what a ‘friendship’ is. Sometimes it’s a connection with the person you grew up with, or a group that shares your interests. But friendship also starts with a casual chat at work, a neighbour waving hello, or a familiar face you meet every day on the way home. That’s the beauty of it — there are no boundaries or limits to how friendships are formed. Navigating life changes is hard — but you don’t have to do it alone We’ve all gone through big life changes like moving somewhere new, starting over, or facing tough events. In fact, getting through those times on our own isn’t easy. Entering a new stage can ignite the feelings of loneliness and anxiety. That’s where good friends come in: they can be a real mental buffer against our negative emotions. Friendships offer emotional support by helping you feel truly seen and connected. They create a sense of belonging and strengthen your emotional resilience. Still, maintaining a friendship that stands the test of time and distance isn’t always easy. Communication with friends often gets disrupted as we move through unexpected changes. Sometimes, just one honest and open conversation is all it takes to rebuild the bridge — to remind each other that we’re still here, still listening. A good friend can validate your feelings, empower and inspire you to take steps. Friendships: the first relationship that shapes the rest Friendships are one of the first relationships we get to choose for ourselves. Spending time with people who are good for our developmental health is matter, as they play a huge role in shaping how we connect with others. Through friendship, we learn how to trust, how to support, and how to be present — lessons that carry into every other relationship we build. On this International Friendship Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of friendship in supporting mental well-being and emotion, especially during life’s most challenging moments. Whether it’s a message, a call, or a quiet thank-you, let your friends and the person you care know how much they’ve mattered on your journey. Written by Anne Bui and Kylie Nguyen
On this year's World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day, we explore the importance of early intervention and seeking the right support for the youngest people in our society.
The 7th of April brings around World Mental Health Day once again! Health is a broad topic that can be overwhelming and intimidating to many people, making it seem hard to maintain on top of your work, social life, and family duties. However, there are 5 healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sleep like it’s a priority! Health and sleep go hand in hand, and to feel your best you need to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep allows your body to rest and recharge for the following day, boosting both your physical and mental health. To ensure your get a good night’s rest, consider creating a sleep pattern where you go to sleep and wake up at the same every day. While it’s tempting to scroll on your phone or binge watch TV, sticking to a sleep routine helps your body get into a pattern and boosts your mood. Prep like a meal master Healthy meals are time consuming to make, and takeout often feels like the easiest solution after a long day’s work. This is great occasionally; however, they do lack the nutrients your body needs which is where meal prepping comes in! Meal prepping just once a week allows you to keep on track of eating healthy lunches and dinners, boosting both your physical and mental wellbeing, as a balanced diet is linked to improving mood and boosting energy. Sweat in snippets! A full body workout everyday can be overwhelming, but the trick is not to focus on getting in a 2-hour workout every day! Instead aim for 10 minutes here and there, like walking on your lunch breaks or stretching in between work tasks. Even wearing ankle weights while cooking will allow you to be exercising while doing daily tasks! Working out in small bursts is a good way to maintain your physical health and is also seen to boost your mood. Drink up buttercup! Aim to drink a litre of water a day. It’s a simple task that’s easy to forget, but a simple trick is to take a sip every time you pick up your phone. This creates a habit of drinking water every time you’re scrolling on TikTok or texting someone and will help you reach your hydration goal. It’s important to drink water as it helps maintain a healthy body and maintain its functions, so it’s time to drink up buttercup! Pause and breathe If you’re busy working all day, it’s easy to forget to check in with yourself. To solve this problem, set health breaks on your phone that will remind you every few hours. Take just 5 minutes to step away - go for a quick walk or pause to breathe and recharge. It’s a simple way to look after your wellbeing throughout the day and get you moving a little bit, so you’re not stuck in same spot all day. Good Wellbeing Starts Today With such a busy schedule, maintaining your health can be an afterthought. However, these 5 healthy habits aim to incorporate looking after one’s physical and mental health into your daily routine. Download the Supportive Mind app to prioritise your wellbeing In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for yourself can be tough. The Supportive Mind is here to change that. With features designed to help you stay active, track your mood, and access personalised wellness resources, our app is the perfect companion to ensure your mental and physical health come first. Download today: https://www.mhfa.org.au/supportive-mind By Jamie Speight
