Max Goodwin, the Medical Director of New Amsterdam Hospital (yes, another tv reference) when faced with employees who are frustrated and complaining, asks one question: “How can I help?”

In these chaotic and somewhat frustrating times, it’s so easy to get sucked into debates about statistics and get frustrated with the way people are (or aren’t) handling situations to our satisfaction. It’s easy to complain. It’s easy to see the bad and want things to be different.

We who are chronically sick can’t imagine that we can help in any way – but the reality is we are experts at self-distancing. We know how to get things done when we can’t leave the house, we know how to entertain ourselves when we are isolated, and we know how to encourage someone who is feeling alone and empty.

Don’t count yourself out – there are things you can do. Just start with that question: “how can I help?”