by Tricia Lye

Created on: August 09, 2011   Last Updated: November 01, 2011

There was a millionaire who felt that he never quite had enough. When asked what it would take to make him complete, his answer was "Just another dollar".

It does not take a poor man to be needy. Conversely a rich man may not be satisfied with his lot. Stories abound of rich people who pilfer  because they felt a compelling need to while many who are less well off are able to live their lives without breaking the law.

So who are these needy people in our midst ? On one hand, we have those who are financially disadvantaged due to a myriad of reasons : a lack of employment due to sickness, a physical or mental  handicap or lack of education. Some helpless situations are self inflicted, perhaps due to debts, addiction or a life of crime. Still others are needy because they are displaced  due to unfavorable political situations and  natural calamities, situations beyond their control.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are some who live with much but felt inadequate because they are emotionally needy.  Whichever the case , these people are not effective in their undertakings and will not be able to be the best that they can be.

Needy people may be sensitive as they develop a sense of helplessness, insecurity or self-inadequacy. Conversely they may be indifferent, resigned to their situation. While most of the needy feel that they could do with some help, there are some who are not able to pluck  themselves out of their plight. Even when help is available,  they have no idea how to help themselves .

This is akin to a  man who continues to struggle from slipping down a  slope but did not know how best to use the rope that is thrown to him.

Help for needy people in various segments of society come in many forms. There are many support groups that cater to the needs of those who understand the cause of their predicaments and desire help. AA is one example of such self help group that aims to pluck those mired in alcohol addiction regain control of their lives.

Needy people can do with all the opportunities offered to them.  After the boxing day tsunami, some coastal  villages in Sumatra were rendered help to rebuild their lives through cottage industries and micro financing from volunteers. Today, a cooperative thrive in the village and most have put the horrors of the tsunami behind them, leading productive lives and with a hope for their  children's future.

Down to a personal level, a needy person deserves respect like any other person in the street. His views should be equally important to policy makers and his community. He should enjoy similar benefits like any citizens in his society, within the confines of the law.

Rather than sympathy, they should be handled with empathy, in the hope that they can rise out of their helpless state and regain self worth.  A society that is judgmental and  polarized  would prolong the recovery process of a needy person.

Being needy or not, every person deserves the extra boost from the occasional encouragement. Unlikely heroes who overcome their problems are being made everyday when someone cares enough to praise or share a triumphant moment.

There is no magic solution to every difficulty, real or otherwise. Contrary to popular belief, money is not always the best fix. It is more effective in the long run to understand the underlying issues of a needy person so that a permanent fix can effectively be put in place.

Learn more about this author, Tricia Lye.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.