HEALTH & WELLNESS
ASKING FOR HELP!
S ocietal
By Allie Cantwell , Connected Therapy
As a therapist and female business owner, I’ve had the privilege of working with women entrepreneurs who commonly struggle with asking for help. This pattern occurs often among many women in the business world, impacting both their personal and professional lives. Women often feel pressured to prove themselves, be self- sufficient, and excel in every aspect of their lives, making it challenging to recognize when they need support.
expectations and gender norms can
significantly contribute to women finding it difficult to ask for help. From a young age, women are socialized to be caregivers and nurturers, to prioritize others’ needs over their own, and to avoid burdening others with their struggles. These deeply ingrained beliefs make it difficult for women to acknowledge their vulnerabilities and seek help when needed. In male-dominated industries, women often face additional pressure to prove themselves. They may fear being perceived as weak or incompetent if they ask for help, and worry that seeking support will undermine their credibility as leaders. This fear of judgment can be a significant barrier to reaching out for assistance, even when it’s desperately needed. Not to mention, many women entrepreneurs are juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, both personally and professionally. They may feel that they should be able to handle everything on their own and struggle to prioritize their well-being amidst the demands of work and family life. Because of this, they may experience a sense of guilt or inadequacy when considering asking for help, feeling as
Allie Cantwell, M. Ed, CCC, RCT
Allie Cantwell is a Counselling-Therapist who owns and operates a private practice called Connected Therapy in downtown Charlottetown. Allie specializes in working with adults experiencing anxiety, burnout, addiction, and trauma. In her spare time, you can usually find Allie trying out a new exercise class or walking her dog, Odie at Upton Dog Park.
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