Allison Breininger’s advice about “caring for the caregivers” seems applicable to many broader situations. She notes that when a tragic event happens, people tend to offer help and respond soon after learning about it, but the real need comes in later when the shock has worn off and loneliness sets in.
She uses the analogy of firefighters and carpenters: Firefighters arrive when a house is burning down; carpenters come when the house is ready to be rebuilt. While firefighters are necessary and important, Breininger urges people to act like a carpenter and offer help after others have moved on.
This advice could apply whether the event is a health crisis, death, family emergency, job loss, natural disaster — or even post-election trauma. Everyone jumps in while the news is fresh, but meaningful support is needed after the initial hubbub has died down. Keep your emotional toolkit handy to help others rebuild their strength.
Source: Caring for the Caregivers by Erica Finamore, Real Simple, November 2024
