What is a crisis? 

A crisis can arise when something life-changing happens—such as illness, separation, loss of employment, death, or other major changes. A crisis does not have to be a single event; it can also be the result of long-term stress. People with experiences of displacement, war, or other severe events may carry memories that affect them for a long time.

Common reactions to a crisis 

How people react varies from person to person. Feeling grief is common, but a crisis can also trigger feelings of worry, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, or hopelessness. Some people become quiet and withdraw, while others feel restless, stressed, or become easily irritated. 

Some people manage practical everyday tasks, while others struggle with them. For some, it becomes easier to let go of control and allow themselves to recover after a while, once the situation has calmed down. 

Reactions can also shift from day to day. There is no “normal” way to react to a crisis. When you meet someone who is struggling, it is therefore important to remain open to experiencing different feelings and expressions. 

Being supportive as a fellow human being 

As a fellow human being, you do not need to understand everything that is going on or share the persons background to help them. Simply being there, showing care in everyday life, and helping in small ways can go a long way. 

Supporting someone who is struggling is not about changing what has happened. Rather, it is about offering a helping hand - giving the person a chance to share what is hard for a while, easing the impact of what has occurred, and helping ensure that they are not exposed to new challenges. Many people who want to support someone, feel unsure about what to do or whether or not they are doing enough. But even small efforts matter. 

Most of us want to make things better for others, to fix and repair, but sometimes it is not possible. Grief, for example, can be incredibly heavy to face. What matters most is understanding that your presence makes a difference. The most important thing you can do is to stay with them and be there over time. 

“When our son was undergoing cancer treatment, we were completely exhausted. All our energy went into holding everyday life together, managing our worry, and staying strong for him. Sometimes it felt like we were living in another world where time stood still. The support we received meant everything. My mother stayed with us for periods of time. My employer was patient and flexible. A neighbor drove our daughter to school every morning. Being supported by others when you can’t manage on your own is something I will never forget.” 

Dare to make the first contact 

When someone is going through a difficult event or crisis, it can feel difficult to know how to reach out. Many people worry about saying the wrong thing, disturbing the person, or making the situation worse. But reaching out is very important. 

You do not need to find the perfect words - the most important thing is to show that you care and that you are there for them. A simple text message or phone call is enough: 
“I’m thinking of you. Would you like me to come by?” 

The person who is struggling may not always have the energy to respond or maintain contact as usual. If you don’t get a response, don’t stop reaching out! People differ in when they are able to accept help, so be patient. Showing that you remain available can mean a great deal in the long run. 

What is compassionate support? 

Compassionate support is about being present and available for someone else. You do not need professional training to make a difference - quite the opposite. It is about showing care, listening without judgment, or simply sitting together in silence. 

Someone who is struggling often needs to feel seen and acknowledged, even when there is not much to say. For some people, talking about feelings comes easily, and for others not. Reflect on what feels natural for you. 

Supporting through practical help in everyday life 

Supporting someone in a crisis involves both emotional presence and practical help. For a person in crisis, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Your support can act as a buffer and give them more energy to cope with their situation. 

It is not always easy to know what the person needs - try to listen and ask. It is common to feel unsure about whether you are intruding, but often people in crisis appreciate when someone else takes the initiative. Support is easier to accept when it is concrete. 

Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” you could say: 

“I’m going grocery shopping, can I pick something up for you?” 

“I have time this weekend, should I help you with the bills?” 

“I’m going for a walk after work, would you like to join me?” 

“Would you like to come over for coffee?” 

This way, the person only needs to decide on something small and manageable. If they decline, continue to show the person that you are there. Sometimes simply knowing that someone is available, even from a distance, provides invaluable peace of mind. 

7 ways to support someone in a crisis 

1. Spend time together and create a sense of safety. Even if the person does not want to talk about their feelings, show that you are there—both in the acute phase and over time. Reach out again even if you have been turned down before. 
2. Be patient. Allow the person to repeat themselves and ask the same questions. Repetition can help to process what has happened. 
3. Help with everyday life. Offer support with practical tasks such as helping with their children, shopping, cooking, cleaning, paying bills, or simply having a coffee or watching a movie together. 
4. Help them find support. Offer support in contacting or accompanying them to important meetings with healthcare providers, authorities, or insurance companies. 
5. Respect their needs. Do not take it personally if plans are cancelled or if moods change quickly. 
6. Move together. Take part in physical activities such as walking or light exercise, adapted to what the person can manage at the moment. 
7. Learn more. Knowledge about crisis reactions makes it easier to understand and provide support. 

Take care of yourself 

Supporting someone that is going through a crisis can be meaningful but also emotionally demanding. It is normal to feel tired, worried, or overwhelmed, especially if you are close to the person or providing support over a long period of time. 

Meeting someone who is struggling can also awaken your own memories and emotional responses. This is natural. Sometimes it helps us to feel empathy, other times it makes us more vulnerable. 

That is why it is important to actively take care of yourself. Take breaks, talk to others about how you feel, and seek support when it is needed. Setting clear boundaries and being honest about what you can manage is not selfish - it is necessary in order to be a sustainable support over time. 

6 ways to care for yourself while supporting others 

1. Share the responsibility with others so that you are not left to carry the situation alone. 
2. Continue doing things that help you recover, such as rest, movement, spending time in nature, or other activities you enjoy. 
3. Allow yourself to take breaks if contact feels too demanding - even if you are close to the person. 
4. Seek professional support as a relative or close contact. Contact family support services, associations, or your healthcare provider for guidance. 
5. Learn about common crisis reactions. As someone close to a person in crisis, it is common to experience stress and increased worry yourself. 
6. Talk to someone about how you feel - a friend, colleague, or someone else you trust. 

When more support is needed 

Compassionate support is important, but sometimes it is not enough for a person to manage a crisis on their own. 

If, after six months, the person is still: 

• deeply depressed, 
• experiencing severe worry or anxiety, 
• sleeping poorly, or 
• struggling to manage everyday life, 

this may be a sign that professional help is needed. 

Even if the person is hesitant, you can offer to help contact healthcare services or other support providers. This might involve making a call together, accompanying them to an appointment, or simply being there before and after. Accepting help from a psychologist, counselor, or another professional when life feels overwhelming is not a failure - it is a sign of strength and the ability to take action.