Action Items
How to (Actually) Help in a Crisis
In my extensive experience observing Americans, many who have led relatively uncomplicated lives have very sweet, generous hearts. They also have giant feelings about things, and zero ability to convert these feelings into action items. The internet right now is a mess of “helpful” hints and links and freakouts and tears, from people who aren’t actually in crisis. And the 24/7 news is not helping.
First, do not point your hysteria and helplessness at anyone else in LA. Chill out before you send a text or share a post. Know when you send a check-in to someone suffering, they are getting 98 of those texts a day and feel obligated to reply and soothe your anxiety, while actually trying to get through the day themselves. It’s not their job to help you feel better, or send constant updates. Feeling better is your job. Have you downloaded the effing app yet? Next, be aware that there are a few tiers of distress:
For people who have lost everything: send cash, or a…
