The Power of Asking for Help: Breaking the “I’m Fine” Barrier

“I’m alright, love.” How many times have you said that when you really weren’t?

This week’s Wild Man Challenge is simple but profound: Ask for help.

Yeah, I know. Easier said than done, right? Because we’re men, and we’ve got this thing about doing everything ourselves. But here’s why this challenge matters more than you might think.

The Science Behind Asking for Help

Let’s get nerdy for a minute:

Research shows that men who ask for help have better mental health outcomes
Studies indicate that social support directly correlates with longevity
Collaboration literally makes your brain work better (it’s called neural synchronization)

Translation: Asking for help isn’t just useful – it’s bloody good for you.

Why We Don’t Ask (But Should)

Here’s what’s typically stopping us:

Pride: We think we should be able to handle everything ourselves
Fear: Of looking weak, incompetent, or vulnerable
Habit: We’re so used to saying “I’m fine” it’s become automatic
Cultural Programming: The whole “real men don’t ask for help” nonsense

But here’s the truth: The strongest men are the ones who know when to reach out.

This Week’s Challenge Breakdown

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

Identify Something You Need Help With:

A practical task (moving furniture, DIY)
A knowledge gap (financial advice, tech setup)
An emotional challenge (feeling overwhelmed, need to talk)
A long-standing goal you’ve been putting off

Ask for That Help:

Share it in the group
Reach out to a friend or family member
Seek professional guidance
Connect with someone who’s done it before

The Benefits Go Deep

When you ask for help, you’re not just getting assistance with a task. You’re:

Building stronger connections
Practicing vulnerability (a core strength)
Learning new skills and perspectives
Creating opportunities for others to feel valued
Breaking down toxic masculinity stereotypes

Making It Easier

Here’s how to make asking for help feel more natural:

Start Small: Begin with simple requests
Be Specific: Clear asks get better responses
Offer Help Too: Create a cycle of support
Notice the Results: Pay attention to how things improve when you collaborate
Document Your Wins: Keep track of positive outcomes from asking for help

The Ripple Effect

When you ask for help, you’re not just helping yourself. You’re:

Showing other men it’s okay to be vulnerable
Creating opportunities for connection
Building a stronger community
Breaking down barriers for the next generation

Your Challenge This Week

Identify: What’s that thing you’ve been putting off? What’s on your whiteboard that keeps getting transferred to next week?
Share: Put it in the group. Be specific about what you need help with.
Connect: If you see someone asking for help with something you know about, reach out.
Document: Share your experience. What worked? What surprised you?

Remember

Every successful person had help along the way
Vulnerability is strength
You’re not alone in this
Your ask for help might be exactly what someone else needs to make their day meaningful

Resources and Support

If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, these services are here 24/7:

Samaritans: 116 123
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight)
SHOUT: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (24/7 text service)

Remember though, your Wildman Project is here for you. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is reach out to another member of the group. Whether it’s practical help, someone to talk to, or just a coffee and a chat – we’ve got your back.

Nothing beats the power of men supporting men.

Because remember: We’re stronger together. Always.