New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

Editorial: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness

By Andre Jones | March 23, 2021 11:45 am

At some point in our life, we all have gone through some sort of struggle. I’m letting you know it’s okay to ask for help.

This editorial was partially inspired by one of my former student-athletes who recently received her master’s degree in social work with an emphasis in therapy. Her message was instantly something I could write about because even this editor has had his downs over the years.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. One of the biggest things that was noticeable during the pandemic revolved around the need for that social and emotional connection. Sure, we had technology and ways to speak with others, but that face-to-face interaction with another person has that extra emphasis and meaning for us as humans.

Asking for assistance and help isn’t showing weakness. It shows strength because even the toughest of us out there can break down from time to time. In order to build each other up, we must be able to show vulnerability from time to time. It’s okay to shed tears and it’s okay to tell others how you feel.

The pandemic has taken a toll on people and that’s factual. Whether it’s financially, emotionally, or socially, the impact is felt on a variety of levels. Loved ones have been lost without us saying proper goodbyes, jobs have been lost due to cutbacks, and social gatherings to interact with our family and friends have been delayed.

But I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. There are people who want to help. Local food pantries sponsored by organizations such as Proclaiming Grace Outreach in New Kent and Promise Land Pasture in Charles City have been offering food boxes for the majority of the pandemic. Counseling services have been available by those who have lost loved ones. Individuals have been offering those who have lost their jobs opportunities to make money on the side to help support their families.

I had an emotional breakdown last December and it was something that I had to get out to let others know. It was one of the most relieving moments of my life and I just want to publicly thank my family and friends who supported me when I had that confession of how I was feeling. I am glad to know that I was not alone.

So to all who need that pat on the back, there are people out there to assist you. If you’re the person giving assistance, don’t hold back because of your own personal agenda. Step out whether it’s a donation to an organization or just buying a meal for someone else. You never know what somebody is going through, but if you can be a person that makes a difference, don’t hesitate. Your impact now can be the thing that opens a branching path to success in the future.