The Fragility of Independence

Asking for help is a very complicated task, but it is proven to be necessary in order to move forward in life. Many insecurities and social threats can come with the act of needing assistance, such as the risk of rejection and the potential of losing an esteemed status. We are often expected to demonstrate complete competence and expertise at all times, making it uncomfortable to reach out to others for such requests.

Once an individual turns eighteen, they are pressured into the expectations of potential adulthood. This developmental transition from adolescence to early adulthood is regularly experienced as a time of uncertainty, instability, and, most definitely, anxiety. With these expectations of a generation in place, many can begin to feel as if this time of their lives is supposed to be dedicated to not relying on others. However, nobody can do everything by themselves, and often, assistance is needed. Help is used to make someone better at tasks or get through a blockage in their life, and it is nearly impossible to advance in modern society without assistance from others.

Independence is admirable, but so is having the humility of asking for help when you need it. Pride is a very dangerous thing, and it is not worth being the demise of a person; the growth of a person should be dedicated to trying to be more comfortable with the intimate act of requesting aid.

References:

Grant, Heidi. “The Right Way to Ask for Help at Work.” Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business, 8 July 2018, hbr.org/2018/05/how-to-get-the-help-you-need.

Pine, D S, et al. “The Risk for Early-Adulthood Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Adolescents with Anxiety and Depressive Disorders.” Archives of General Psychiatry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 1998, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9435761?report=abstract.