Wise counsel

Had two very difficult work days in a row, and I'm doing just about everything that I can do to be kind to myself and not descend into misery and self pity. This includes the time honored traditions of taking hot showers, going to bed early, and eating numerous double stuff oreos. I also called my mom for some wise counsel tonight and she came through like a champ. This does not always happen, and so I was so grateful when her advice was to the point, helpful, specific, useful, kind, loving, and encouraging. Plus, she made me laugh, which was the best medicine. Twice she tried to get off the phone because Nathan was whining that no one was playing with him (I was sitting right there playing play doh, but he can get jealous when my attention is not fully and only on him, not unlike certain other people he may or may not be related to) and both times I was firm in telling her that I needed to talk to my mom and I'd like to stay on the phone. That is not usually how it works with us - usually she tries to get off the phone because she is worried it is imposing on my life, I get all rejected and hurt because she doesn't want to talk to me, and then we don't talk as frequently or as openly for the next few weeks. I was glad to bypass that unhealthy cycle tonight and just assert my need more plainly. She met me very well and I was grateful.

I am wondering if this approach could be applied to more vulnerable relationships than mine with my mom - perhaps even to this work situation that has me all tied up in knots. What if I was honest about asserting my vulnerabilites and just asked for help when I need it? What do you think? When we are talking about challenges you are facing at work, is honesty the best policy, or is it better to just suck it up and deal? When does accepting help, or asking for it, qualify as wise self care and preventative action, and when does it start to negatively impact your reputation, performance, motivation, or success? Does learning to ask for help have anything to do with leadership, and calling, and God?