In Times of Crisis: Choosing Kindness, Setting Boundaries, and Supporting Each Other
When life feels heavy—when stress is unrelenting, and crises challenge our sense of security—it becomes more important than ever to support one another. Whether we’re navigating personal struggles, workplace bullying, or collective trauma, we all need compassion, connection, and clarity.
But how do we support each other without losing ourselves in the process? It takes time and patience.
Kindness Is a Choice
Yes, kindness is a choice. Every day, it is a choice. In a world that can sometimes feel cold, unfriendly or indifferent, kindness is a conscious decision we make every day. It’s not always easy—especially when we are hurting emotionally/physically—but it’s powerful. A kind word, a listening ear, or simply holding space for someone else can shift the course of a difficult day. For me, I notice that giving a kind word to someone feels good to me as well.
When we are kind, we not only help others feel seen and valued, but we also reinforce our own sense of humanity. Kindness connects us, and in times of stress or bullying, it reminds us we are not alone. Feelings of loneliness can keep us from being kind. It is a choice to be kind to others and to ourselves.
Boundaries Are Not Barriers—they’re Bridges to Respect
Boundaries protect you and protect others. Supporting others does not mean neglecting ourselves. In fact, setting healthy boundaries is one of the most compassionate actions we can take. Boundaries help define where we end and someone else begins. They protect our energy, our mental health, and our ability to be present.
During times of bullying or crisis, it’s easy to feel obligated to take on too much or tolerate toxic behavior. But we can’t pour from an empty cup. When we give from a place of emptiness, we become resentful. Boundaries allow us to say, “I care about you, and I also need to care for myself.”
Compassion Fatigue Is Real
At some point, we have all experienced compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue—the emotional exhaustion that comes from caring too much for too long—is often experienced by those in helping roles or by those who are continually exposed to others’ pain. In workplaces marked by bullying or dysfunction, even the most caring individuals can find themselves depleted.
Recognizing compassion fatigue is not weakness—it’s awareness. When we name what we’re feeling, we give ourselves permission to step back, replenish, and reset. Only then can we offer genuine support, instead of running on empty.
Self-Care Is Not Selfish—It’s Survival
Self-care isn’t all bubble baths and long walks (though those help!). It’s also about saying no, choosing rest over productivity, seeking help when needed, and protecting our peace. It’s a daily commitment to our own well-being, especially when we’re facing stress, trauma, or mistreatment.
In the face of bullying, self-care might mean documenting incidents, finding safe allies, or speaking with a professional. It might also mean choosing to disengage from toxic dynamics entirely. Whatever form it takes, self-care is how we honor our worth and safeguard our resilience.
We Heal Better Together
Crisis, stress, and bullying can leave us feeling isolated. But healing is rarely a solo journey. We need each other—to listen, to validate, to hold hope when someone can’t find it for themselves.
Being there for others doesn’t mean fixing their pain—it means showing up with empathy. And it starts with doing the same for ourselves.
In the end, support is not about saving others at the expense of ourselves. It’s about creating a culture of mutual care—where kindness is chosen, boundaries are honored, and self-care is encouraged.
Because in times of crisis, we are stronger together.