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Threats to survival invoke conditions that befog this idea: the descriptor "trying times" is an add-on. Look: it's waaay easier distinguishing add-ons in non-threatening circumstances, yes? Make no error: distinguishing it's an add-on doesn't make it easy, go away, or even diminish significantly. But it does illuminate two truths: one, the distinction "add-on" itself; two, our being (cause in the matter). It fosters us dealing with circumstances as expeditiously and as appropriately and as smartly and as big-heartedly and as generously as we can muster.
Here's a tough conversation to consider (and an even tougher one to have): that in the middle of any disaster (man-made or otherwise), we always have a choice as to who we're going to be in the face of said disaster. And no matter how hard that may be to take on, it's true: we do have a choice, no matter the circumstances, no matter what the disaster (the direst of which notwithstanding). And if you've already gotten clear that you do have that choice, then it's your responsibility, your gift, your privilege to share it with others. Remember while we may have a debatable choice over the circumstances themselves, there's always a choice as to who we'll be in the face of any circumstances. Your assignment is to share that choice with those who don't realize they have it. And that's what really makes a profound difference (indeed, it may be the only thing that does).
A friend of mine has lived life in a way that's left him about as impervious to the current triple-whammy as a person could be, with preparation that's been pragmatic. There's nothing else left for him to do to secure his own life. And he said to me "God! I wish I could do more to help other people", to which I responded "You can.". "Like what?" he asked, "how?". "Be a hero" I offered, "be a hero for someone. Assist when you can. Set examples. Be a leader. Listen attentively. Listening transforms a helpless, hopeless conversation into one of empowering empathy. Offer services. Offer support. Even if your offers are declined, offer anyway. Never underestimate the support it is to remind people of who they really are, excepted of the circumstances (that's the true heroism that empowers - indeed, that re-empowers - people).".