Is asking for help a sign of weakness or strength?

I heard a sad story of a relative who passed away recently after much struggle financially, emotionally and physically. She had been going through some challenges but decided to keep to herself rather than reach out to family and friends who could help.

Now, before we become judgmental, she is an introvert. Very hard working and quite diligent hence she liked to sort issues out on her own. She needed very little to be contented and tried very hard to live within her means. But over the years, responsibilities piled up on her and the person she decided to trust for some emotional and financial support literally worsened her situation by taking the little she had and broke her heart. For an introvert, this must have been really hard to swallow seeing that introverts internalize issues and find it very hard to share their problems.

As the days and months went by, it became more stressful and lonely yet she kept struggling rather than reaching out. She, like many others out there would probably have felt her issues were hers to bear and would be perceived as weak or shameful should she cry out for help. But these issues gradually ate her up until they cut her life short.

In this light, I ask:

“Should you seek help when burdened and save yourself from your situation?” 

Is that a sign of strength or weakness?

Do share your thoughts…Merry Christmas everyone!

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