Asking for help is NOT failing

The other week a virus hit our family.  It attacked us all and we were house bound for 2 weeks. One son, then the next , then me, finally my husband.

It hit me hard. It usually takes me a lot to stay in bed.  A large glass of water and a couple of Panadol and I pretend I’m not unwell.  BUT with this virus I could not pretend.  I was sick.  I could not do anything.  I could not function, I could not think.  I could not work.  I could not prepare meals, clean.  I struggled to get the kids to their school and day care having to rely on others for pick ups as I could not physical get out of bed.

When I was able to think again, when I was semi conscience my thoughts went straight to Support for Mums.  What if I was like this for more than two days, how would our family function?  We would need to rely on others to ensure children turned up on time at the right places and had meals to eat. 

This experience only exhibited the importance of Support for Mums and their families in our community.  A family cannot function as usual, for too long without support if there is crisis/illness.

To lie in bed and hear your family exist not being able to get up is difficult.  To ask for help is even harder.  I found it hard during this recent illness and in the past.  So many others would feel the same. 

We DO NOT have to do it all alone.  Asking for help is NOT failing.  Asking for support is NOT failing.  It is building a community.  Friends are often more than happy to provide support, and you would provide support back when you could.

If friends and family are unable to provide you the practical support when you need it the most please make contact with Support for Mums and their families.  We will be able to offer you practical support including meals, fruit and vegetable boxes, home help and information and referral.

What prevents you from asking for help?