The importance of seeking help

There’s no shame in admitting you’re struggling

Throughout the course of this semester, things have gotten increasingly difficult day to day. Now, let me preface this immediately by saying that my struggles are not greater than anyone else’s, but my struggles are also not invalid. I’ve pulled all-nighters, I’ve taken time away from important aspects of my life, and I’ve done all I can to maintain relationships with those closest to me. What I haven’t done is ask for a helping hand.

I’ve asked for favours, certainly, but I’m too proud to ask someone for actual help – to talk things out, or to request an extra hand with a project. However, with finals approaching quickly, and stress hitting an all-time high at this point in the year, please remember to ask for help if you need it.

I understand if this sounds a bit too preachy, or if this is coming across as overly emotional, but it’s so important. Honestly, I feel like I write one of these articles every year around this point, but it’s still something I need to do to remind myself and others that support systems out there exist. Nothing is worse than when you’re trying your hardest at something, when you’re giving it your all, and you finally break down because you feel as though you’ve got the weight of the world (or semester) on your shoulders. This is particularly evident during a time when seasonal depression is hitting at an all-time high.

With that being said though, there are options that one can (hopefully) pursue. Calling a friend or a family member, trying to make it clear to your profs what is going on, maybe discussing your grievances with follow classmates, or perhaps seeking counselling services (which I understand are quite difficult to come by around this time) are all, at the very least, routes one can take to air out frustrations and maybe lighten the load a little.

Speaking on a personal level, I can’t tell you how amazing one particular friend of mine has been in just being someone to communicate back and forth with. Sometimes that’s all you need. Of course, not everyone has the same luxury, so I can’t expect to meet everyone on the same level. Just know that if you have the option, don’t feel like you’re being a bother or that you’re not worth the time, because you are. You matter. And you always will.

I wish I could help those out who need it most, I really do, but the best I can do right now is just putting out those few examples. If you’re going to take anything away from these ramblings, make it this: finals put a unique stress on all of us, so don’t be ashamed to say you need a hand, or that you need someone to listen to what’s going on. Don’t let things linger, because that puts a significant toll on almost every aspect of your well-being, whether it be emotional, mental, physical, or what have you.

Remember: you matter. Grades are important, of course, but you’re just as, if not more, important.