How to Be There for People When the World Feels Wobbly
There’s something about the world lately—it feels like it’s wobbling on its axis. One minute, you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re flooded with headlines that make your chest tighten. Families torn apart. Communities under threat. Rights once taken for granted, now hanging by a thread. It’s easy to feel small in the face of it all, like you’re standing in front of a tidal wave with nothing but a paper cup.
But here’s the thing: You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to stand alongside the people caught in the chaos. You don’t have to fix everything. You just have to be there.
That might sound too simple, but it’s not. Showing up is one of the most radical, powerful things you can do when everything feels like it’s falling apart.
The Weight of Uncertainty—and the Power of Presence
Right now, there are kids who sit in classrooms wondering if their parents will still be there when they get home. Not because of a business trip or a late meeting, but because of ICE raids, deportations, or sudden arrests. Families are living with the constant hum of anxiety, unsure if today is the day their lives will be upended.
And it’s not just immigrants. It’s anyone whose identity, safety, or rights are being questioned, debated, or dismantled—LGBTQ+ folks, people of color, religious minorities, and more. The ground beneath their feet doesn’t feel steady, and that kind of instability seeps into every corner of a person’s life. It’s a heavy load to carry.
But that’s where you come in—not to carry it all, but to help share the weight.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Be a Helper
You don’t need a PhD in psychology or a title like “counselor” to be helpful. You just need to be human. Research shows that during times of crisis—whether it’s war zones, natural disasters, or political upheaval—the most effective support often comes from ordinary people offering consistent, compassionate presence.
When people are scared, isolated, or overwhelmed, what they need most isn’t a complicated solution. They need to feel seen, heard, and understood. They need to know they’re not alone.
What Helpers Can Do When the World Is Wobbly
Be a Safe Place with Skin On
In crisis counseling, one of the most powerful interventions is simply creating a space where people feel safe. You don’t need an office with a plaque or a therapy degree to do that. You just need to be a steady, reliable presence.
Think of the people in your life—friends, neighbors, students, coworkers. Are there folks who might be feeling extra vulnerable right now? Maybe it’s a family worried about deportation, or a person who is Transgender watching laws change in ways that threaten their safety. Your role isn’t to have all the answers. It’s to be someone they know they can count on.
Offer to sit with them. Invite them over for dinner. Walk with them after school or work. Sometimes, just knowing there’s someone who won’t flinch, who won’t disappear when things get hard, is enough.
Listen Like It’s the Most Important Thing in the World
Because it is. When someone shares their fear or frustration, resist the urge to jump into problem-solving mode. You might feel the need to say, “It’ll be okay,” or “Don’t worry,” but that can shut down the conversation. People need space to say the scary stuff out loud, without feeling like they’re burdening you or being dramatic.
Instead, try this: “That sounds really hard.” Or, “I can’t imagine how that feels, but I’m here.” Let them talk. Let there be silence if they need it. Your presence is the comfort, not your advice.
Help People Feel Less Alone
In war zones and disaster areas, group therapy and community gatherings are critical tools for reducing isolation. The same applies here at home.
Organize a neighborhood potluck. Host a game night at the local community center. Invite people over to paint, play music, or just sit around and chat about nothing in particular. These gatherings aren’t just about having fun—they’re about reminding people that they’re not facing their struggles in a vacuum.
Laughter, shared meals, and simple conversations are powerful antidotes to fear. When you create space for connection, you’re offering more than a distraction—you’re building a safety net.
Share What You Know, But Don’t Overload
Teachers, nonprofit leaders, and concerned citizens often ask: How do we share important information without overwhelming people? It’s a fine line.
If you have resources—legal aid contacts, know-your-rights guides, support groups—share them gently. Don’t dump a pile of pamphlets into someone’s lap. Instead, say something like, “I found this resource. If it’s helpful, great. If not, no worries.”
Let people choose what they need, when they need it. Sometimes, just knowing the information is available is enough, even if they’re not ready to dive into it yet.
Help Build Little Routines That Feel Like Big Anchors
When everything feels like it’s spinning out of control, small routines can ground people. In crisis zones, predictable schedules—like meal times or daily check-ins—help people regain a sense of normalcy.
You can do the same. Walk a kid to school at the same time every day. Read the same bedtime story each night. Share a weekly meal with a neighbor. These simple, predictable moments can be lifelines when the bigger picture feels chaotic.
Remember: You’re Not Here to Save the Day
It’s natural to want to swoop in and fix everything, especially when you see people you care about struggling. But here’s the truth: You can’t fix it all. And trying to will only leave you burned out and frustrated.
Your role isn’t to be a hero. It’s to be a steady companion. To stand beside people as they navigate their challenges. To say, “I’m here. I see you. I’m not going anywhere.” That’s enough.
Keep Your Heart Open, Even When It’s Hard
When you care about people, it’s tough to watch them suffer. It’s tempting to pull back, to protect your heart from the weight of their pain. But that’s not the answer.
Lean in. Offer your presence, even when you don’t have the perfect words. Sit with their grief, their fear, their anger. People don’t need you to be perfect—they need you to be real. And the beauty of being real is that it builds deeper, more authentic connections.
Drawing from Crisis Support in War Zones
The strategies we use to support people in war zones offer valuable lessons for helping folks closer to home. Psychological First Aid (PFA), for instance, emphasizes the importance of providing immediate emotional support without diving into deep therapy. It’s about being present, offering empathy, and helping people feel grounded.
Similarly, creating safe, supportive community spaces—whether through group gatherings or simple neighborhood meetups—helps reduce isolation and build resilience. The Red Cross and other organizations emphasize that community support is one of the most effective tools for navigating trauma.
And don’t forget the power of consistency. In chaotic times, predictable routines can provide a sense of control and stability. Even small gestures, like regular check-ins or shared meals, can make a big difference.
Conclusion
The world can feel like a strange and frightening place. But even in the middle of all that, showing up with kindness, a listening ear, and maybe a snack can make a difference. You don’t have to be an expert to be a helper. You just have to care.
And the beautiful thing is, you already do. So when the world feels wobbly, remember: you’re here. You’re steady. And that matters more than you might think.
Reflection Questions for Helpers
What’s one small, consistent way I can show up for someone in my community?
How do I balance offering support without feeling the need to “fix” everything?
What routines or simple actions could bring a sense of stability to someone who feels unsteady?
Am I taking time to care for my own well-being while supporting others?
How can I create spaces for connection and community in my daily life?
