• Psychology -> Positive Psychology and Well-being

• 0 Comment

Can resilience be a hindrance to seeking help during difficult times?

Gordon Lishmund

I believe that resilience can be both a help and a hindrance when it comes to seeking help during difficult times. On the one hand, resilience can give us the strength and courage to face tough situations and try to overcome them on our own. We might feel like we don't need anyone else's help because we trust in our own abilities to cope and bounce back from adversity.

However, on the other hand, this kind of self-reliance can also make it harder for us to reach out for support when we really need it. We might feel like we don't want to burden others with our problems, or that asking for help is a sign of weakness. We might also worry that if we admit to struggling, it will somehow undermine the image of ourselves as strong and capable that we have worked so hard to cultivate.

This can be especially true for people who have been conditioned to believe that they need to be tough and independent in order to be successful or respected. In some cultures or social circles, seeking help might even be seen as shameful or taboo.

The reality, however, is that no one can be completely self-sufficient all the time. Everyone needs help and support at some point in their lives, and there is no shame in admitting that we are struggling and reaching out for help when we need it.

In fact, being resilient doesn't mean that we have to do everything on our own. True resilience involves being able to recognize when we need help and being willing to ask for it when we do. It means recognizing that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and self-awareness.

So, if you find yourself struggling during difficult times, don't let your resilience hold you back from seeking the help and support that you need. Talk to friends, family, or a professional therapist. You might be surprised at how much it can help to share your burdens and ask for help.