Asking for help isn’t weakness

By Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez

Editorial Staff

This semester was my most challenging one yet. Though I wasn’t expecting it to be.

After all, two of my classes are on subjects I really enjoy - Creative Writing and Journalism.

But I didn’t anticipate how much I’d struggle with the sheer workload. Deadlines, interviewing, essays, even thinking of a good poem idea - they’ve all caused me headaches and anxiety. And I’m sure I’m not the only one either.

When just one difficult problem doesn’t go away, it makes the easier ones feel significantly worse.

This semester was probably the first time I really felt symptoms of a panic attack. I didn’t realize it at first, but when talking to others about how I felt, they made it clear what was happening.

The sudden numbness, the rushing heartbeat, the nausea, and the general sense of anxiety were common for a short while. It got to the point where I would head to the office or the Honors House when no one was around to break into tears for a few minutes.

But when I was falling apart, I found relief in my family and friends. Even though only a select few knew what I was going through, they all helped when they saw I was struggling.

I learned that simply asking for help can do wonders.

I was hesitant at first and I thought that I needed to get this done alone. That I needed to do it all myself, and if I couldn’t then I wasn’t trying hard enough. That I wasn’t doing enough.

But the second I actually told someone that I was having a difficult day or week, they’d usually offer to help in some way.

My co-editor did the pre-layout of our section for me when I told him I was having a tough week.

The news editor started going with me to get student quotes sometimes after I brought up my social anxiety.

A couple of friends started driving me to campus on Mondays so I don’t need to wake up at 5 in the morning just for a ride.

And I’m fortunate enough to have a mom who listens to everything I need to say and offers whatever support she can give.

So please, if you’re struggling with something, ask for help.

I’ll admit that I’m still working on implementing this advice into my own life. I constantly feel like I’m asking for too much, especially from classmates with their own hardships.

I often don’t realize when it’s appropriate to ask for help. Usually someone sees me stressed or anxious about an issue, listens to me complain about it, and then suggests some advice or offers to help in some way.

But working on this skill - on reaching out when you need help - is something we could all benefit from.

So yes, this semester was easily my hardest one yet. Most likely the worst one for my mental health at least.

But I also gained a lot from it. I realized how crucial having a support system is, and how fortunate I am to have one.

I know I’m lucky to have such a strong support group, but don’t forget about the Counseling, Health and Wellness Center and their walk-in hours Monday-Friday. And if it’s academic related there’s always your professors. They want you to get through their courses in one piece, regardless of how it might feel sometimes.

Just don’t be afraid to reach out. People are often more willing to help than you’d think.