Practical Ways to Support a Family Going Through a Crisis

Over the past while, my family has been walking through something difficult. It’s a deeply personal matter, one I’m not ready to share in detail, but what I can say is this: 

When you're in the middle of a crisis, even the smallest gestures of kindness can feel like lifelines. And honestly, sometimes it is hard to say yes to the help.

If you know someone who’s going through a hard time, whether it’s illness, grief, mental health struggles, or an unexpected life change, you might be wondering how to help. These practical, tangible ways can ease the weight a family is carrying, especially when decision fatigue and emotional overwhelm make it hard to ask for help.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO SUPPORT A FAMILY WHEN THEY NEED IT THE MOST

When someone we care about is going through a crisis, it’s natural to want to help, but knowing how to help isn’t always easy. We worry about saying the wrong thing, overstepping, or not doing enough. But here’s the truth: presence matters more than perfection. And small, thoughtful actions, especially the ones that lighten their everyday load, can make a world of difference.

Being in the midst of this,  I can tell you that the fog of stress and survival mode makes even the simplest decisions feel overwhelming. During that time, the people who helped most weren’t the ones who asked what we needed. They were the ones who just showed up in gentle, practical ways. If you’re wondering how to do that for someone else, here are some simple ways to start.

Don’t ask what they need

Send a meal through Skip, DoorDash, or another delivery service. A warm meal delivered to the door is one less thing they must consider. 

Sometimes getting through the day is hard enough. The less that they need to make decisions on, the more that they can focus on the issue at hand. Even in times when there isn’t a crisis, simple decisions like making dinner can be hard. Throw in a crisis, and it can take feeling overwhelmed to the next level.

Offer to help with household tasks

If you live nearby, offer to do laundry, clean the kitchen, or take the kids for an hour or two. Don’t just say, “Let me know”. Make a concrete offer like, “I have Tuesday morning free. Want me to fold some laundry or run the vacuum?”

Many people, myself included, will turn down the help. We think we should be the ones to do it all and figure it out as we go. Giving them a date and time option is going to make this easier to say yes to. 

Go grocery shopping for them

If this event is causing them to go to the hospital while juggling work, other kids, and life in general, basic things like grocery shopping can feel tedious. It takes a lot of brain power to make a list and go shopping. Not only that, it takes a lot of energy, and energy can be hard to come by when you are in survival mode.

Text and say, “I’m heading to the store—can I grab you anything?” or even better, “I picked up a few staples I thought you might need. I’ll drop them off this afternoon.”

Send a care package

One of the most heartfelt ways to support a family going through a crisis is by sending a care package filled with comforting items. It doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive—it just needs to say, “I see you. I’m thinking of you.”

Think comfort and simplicity. A soft, cozy blanket can offer warmth and a sense of security when everything feels uncertain. A box of herbal tea or hot chocolate can become a small, soothing ritual amid chaos. Add some easy-to-grab snacks like granola bars, crackers, and dried fruit, because when life is overwhelming, even preparing food can feel like too much.

Include a package of tissues because emotions often come in waves, and it’s a practical yet tender gesture. A candle with a calming scent can create a moment of peace in an otherwise hectic or emotionally charged environment. Consider tucking in a small journal and pen. It can be a quiet space to process thoughts, release emotion, or keep track of important information.

You don’t have to know all the right words to say. A care package allows your actions to speak for you. It reminds them they’re not alone. It shows your love, support, and presence—even if you’re miles away.

Check in consistently, even weeks later

Crises don’t end overnight. They can stretch on for days, weeks, or even months, leaving families feeling isolated, exhausted, and emotionally drained. One of the most powerful things you can do is keep showing up, even in small ways, with consistent check-ins.

A simple message can make a world of difference. Texts like “Thinking of you today,” or “No need to respond—just wanted you to know you’re on my heart” remove any pressure to engage while still offering connection and care. These kinds of messages don’t demand energy or answers. They simply offer presence.

You don’t have to have the perfect words. It’s often better to say something small and honest than to say nothing at all. A quick message, a voice note, or even sending a heart emoji can help someone feel remembered and loved during a time when everything else may feel out of control.

Checking in isn’t about having the right solution or fixing their pain. It’s about reminding them that they’re not alone. That their pain matters. That they are seen, held, and cared for, even in silence.

Pray or hold space quietly

If you're someone who practices faith, mindfulness, or any form of spiritual connection, one of the most powerful ways you can support a family in crisis is by intentionally holding them in your heart. This kind of support may not be seen, but it is deeply felt.

Prayer, meditation, or simply sending loving energy doesn’t always have to be shared aloud. Just taking a quiet moment to speak their names, to breathe in calm and breathe out love on their behalf, or to ask for peace, strength, and comfort for them can carry immense weight. It’s a gentle way to anchor them in hope when they may feel like they’re drifting.

You don’t have to know the details of their struggle. You don’t need fancy words or formal rituals. Just your presence, your heart, and your intention are enough. Whether it's a whispered prayer in the car, lighting a candle during your meditation practice, or pausing in your day to send them love. 

This unseen form of support creates a ripple effect. When someone feels held in spirit, it offers a quiet strength. It reminds them, even if they can’t explain it, that they are not alone in the dark.

Sometimes, support isn’t about solving anything. It’s about showing up, being steady, and reminding people they’re not alone. That matters more than you know.

If you’re someone who longs to show up well for others, but also needs a space where you can be held and supported, I invite you to explore the InWord Whispers Empowerment Circle Membership. 

It’s a nurturing community where we remind each other we’re not alone, especially during life’s hardest chapters. Whether you’re walking through a storm or standing beside someone who is, you deserve a place to breathe, reflect, and be gently guided back to your strength. We walk it together. One quiet, courageous step at a time.