Altruism can't be "an investment". The whole idea of altruism is that something is being given without a return expected. It's not transactional in any way, but basically a gift. Investments are supposed to yeild a return later. My good deeds for others are primarily reserved for my family and friends, because they can do the same for me. I'm not going to work for a bunch of strangers unless I am paid to do so by the way, just like virtually everyone else.

I think that you may overestimate the number of people who are traumatized, because everyone isn't upset or scared. Things are actually functioning pretty well despite the pandemic, etc. Maybe we should talk to the people who aren't upset and find out what their secret is. I think not taking gloom and doom articles like this one too seriously is a step in the right direction.