Responding to a Crisis: What is my role to fill?

As we see the great need of the Ukrainian/Russia war, we consider - What is the most sacrificial and useful way that I can be of help and give in to the feelings of hopelessness or desensitization in this or any other global crisis? 

These are the relevant questions that we’re asking ourselves. Especially as we have recently been asked to take part in crisis debriefing aide workers and refugees fleeing the Ukraine. 

Why are we desiring to respond to this crisis?

While our hearts bleed as mental health professionals and caregivers, we recognize our limitations in the form of past burnout. There are sadly innumerable crisis that we could respond to. We’ve been reminded that having a few “harbor lights” on, or a grid to work through, will help best determine if/when we say the solid yes to serving in a crisis.* 

1.     Was I/were we specifically asked to participate and offer help?

2.     Is my/our expertise best used here?

3.     Is my family on board with this commitment?

4.     When I pray about it, did God say a clear no or not now? (A yes, doesn’t always come in a crisis, a clear no can sometimes be a stronger indication).

5.     Do I have an ongoing set of relationships on the ground that others can connect to?

6.     Will our service or time take away from anyone else that could be doing what I can do?

In summary, we answered yes to the first 5 and no to the last question. We were asked, have connections on the ground, have been uniquely trained in this work and have been reminded of an incredible need. 

With a request for all hands on deck with nearly 2 million refugees expected in the coming weeks, I am aware that I am able to use peer debriefing to aide workers and refugees that have experienced horrific injustice and violence as a service to many in need. As well, I do not have to be a part of the infrastructure of creating it, I can simply do the work I’m trained in as a response to the great need. And finally, I can do the bulk of the work virtually.

Why debrief?

Debriefing is a form of listening to someone’s story, normalizing it, validating it, and reassuring them that they are not alone. It is a way of providing an initial or interim support system, especially when other support systems are lacking or non-existent. Debriefing is a set aside period of time for listening, for the purpose of supporting the person in need, caring about them and their unique story. 

When a debrief is done well, it defuses intense feelings that can get stuck in the body and show up in many harmful ways. It allows for a sharing of a burden of what can feel chaotic and overwhelming leading to other mental health problems. A debrief can help to end isolation and promote connection. It also can allow for an opportunity for growth. 

It can also serve as an opportunity for grounding one’s nervous system, taking them from a continual fight, flight or freeze mental state to one of stability and safety. 

What will debriefing global workers or refugees coming out of the Ukraine look like? 

We are working in partnership with other reputable organizations that are on the ground in Romania, Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe. When these organizations have deemed the work necessary and most advantageous (out of harm, long-term benefits), we will begin to offer ourselves and our service within a limited number of hours/week. The benefit of working alongside of another organization is multi-fold. Being available on a team, having supervisors who I can debrief with myself, and having the infrastructure for systematizing the large quantity in need. 

With such a large need, when will you stop serving in this capacity?

We have no idea. Again, the benefit of working within a larger structure and organization is that we are not the one’s solely responsible for all the needs and debriefing care. We will continue to re-evaluate our ability to serve well as the demands come in. We will have to reinforce good self-care and boundaries, as well. We will continue to evaluate our capacity to serve well, given the grid mentioned above. And we will have to be in concerted prayer about our limitations.

How can I be of help?

As we ask, what is the most sacrificial way we can respond, we ask you to consider the same. Here are several ways you may be of help:

Financial: In order for us to put down other work, we need to access an emergency fund for this type of work. Several thousands of dollars are needed (depending on the length of time that this will go on for). We have created a scholarship/emergency fund that we would draw these funds out of to do this type of work. We trust that if we are to do this work, the money will be provided. You can use this giving link & choose scholarship/emergency fund.

Debriefing: If you are a trained debriefer, reach out. We’d love to utilize your skills

Administrative: While attending to a crisis, other things will slip through the cracks. This is where the work could continue on if we had other’s hands on deck with The Way Between.

Go: While the immediate need is not to be in person taking up space in beds and with limited supplies. In the coming days, there will inevitably be larger needs. Construction for housing, food, childcare, trauma debriefing and in person care. We are connecting with other global workers who are on the ground and know of these needs. Reach out if this is of interest to you.

Prayer: In the wake of a crisis of this size, we are in greatest need of your prayer covering. 

Connect us with others who may be asking the same questions – how can I help. 

Please pray about and consider your part in any crisis. Maybe this isn’t the one you respond to. But if it is, consider how you can best be used.

*Thanks to James Harrington at The Uganda Water Project for shedding light on this for me.