Help with everyday tasks. A person in trouble may or may not need to be soothed and reassured. He does need help with the small everyday tasks. A person quietly assumes extra work when a coworker is having trouble at home. A friend takes care of a baby for an afternoon or evening.
Crisis disorganizes and disorients a person.
When you help a friend or relative by doing some of his ordinary tasks, you enable him to deal with the pain, grief, or trouble. Try to be casual in giving help, never suggesting that the friend is so weak or incompetent as to require it. Such simple kindness and thoughtfulness can be a real support. Talking about troubles helps rid a person of their effects. And putting feelings into words can help a person see the situation more objectively.