Wisdom Wednesday. Asking for help is one of the hardest things to do in recovery, and also one of the most important. This Wednesday, we asked our peer recovery coaches what they wish more people understood about reaching out, whether that’s the first ask or the hundredth.
Here’s what they had to say.
For me, it helped when someone told me when I asked someone for help, it also helps the other person. –Michelle R.
For me I was taught to help others just as others have helped me. We pay it forward. I also recently saw this quote somewhere a that stuck with me and it said “if it doesn’t help, then it isn’t help.” – Morgan G.
I always approach [help] with no judgment and open arms while not enabling. I always ask what I can do to help that person and see what their needs are to see if I am able to assist in helping them meet those needs or assisting them so they can accomplish those needs. – Liz L.
Ask for guidance before shit hits the fan. Your ego won’t like it, but honestly, your ego wasn’t doing a stellar job running your life anyways. –Brea V.
Thinking that self reliance means you do not need anyone else. It leads to overconfidence and isolation. We were designed to help one another as a natural part of life. –Anthony M.
I’ve learned it’s easiest for me to just blurt out “can you help me??”. It’s quick, direct and I’ve never been told no. –Kayla K.
And just a good quote: “Everyone needs help. That’s the human condition.” –Max Allan Collins
None of this is easy to hear in the moment, especially if reaching out hasn’t gone well for you before. But the people who’ve walked this path want you to know: reaching out isn’t weakness, it’s how recovery actually works. Nobody does this alone, and you were never expected to either.
If today’s post is nudging you toward reaching out yourself, our Recovery Community Centers are peer-run and drop-in, no appointment needed. And if talking to someone in real time feels like too big a step right now, the Recovery180 app puts a recovery coach a text, call, or video chat away.
Have a moment when asking for help changed something for you? Share your story with us — it might be exactly what someone needs to read before they make their own ask.
What helped you finally ask for help? Tell us below.
