The Courage to Ask for Help

The Courage to Ask for Help
By: H. Tammy Cha, MSW, LCSW

One of the things I admire most about the people I work with is their courage. It takes an incredible amount of bravery to say, “I need help.” For some, it may feel like a small step, but for many, it’s monumental—an act of faith, vulnerability, and hope all rolled into one.

I think about how we live in a world that often praises self-reliance and toughness. The unspoken message can sometimes be that we’re supposed to have it all figured out, handle it on our own, and push through without letting anyone see us struggle. But the truth is, none of us are meant to walk through life alone. Asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s one of the most courageous and life-affirming choices we can make.

The beautiful thing is that once we ask for help, it has a way of showing up. Whether it’s through a friend, a therapist, a support group, or even a stranger offering kindness, the act of reaching out creates space for connection and healing.

When I meet someone for the first time in my therapy practice, I’m always in awe of the strength it takes to show up in that room. To sit across from someone you don’t know and open up about the hardest parts of your life—that’s bravery. It’s also the first step in creating something new for yourself.

If you’re in a place where you’re considering asking for help, I want you to know that it exists. There are people ready and willing to listen, to hold space for you, and to walk with you on your journey. You don’t have to carry the weight alone.

The journey isn’t always easy, but the first step—the decision to reach out—can be life-changing. And from there, it’s about taking things one moment, one conversation, one step at a time.

To all of you who’ve had the courage to ask for help, and to those still finding their way to that moment: you are brave, and you are seen.