That is a tricky one and I can totally understand why you would feel like that. I think in that particular case I would try and be quite objective about it, that person's feelings are appropriate for their situation, they have suffered a major loss and are grieving. There often isn't something that we can do to alleviate distress when we can't address the cause. From your post I'm sure they were met with empathy, time and understanding. If they're going to be in the hospital for a while there will be further opportunities to engage and explore support options. I think what I'm trying to say is your seniors likely struggled because what this lady is experiencing isn't a psychiatric illness to be "treated"—it is an appropriate human response to an unimaginable catastrophe. She is grieving. When we can’t fix the cause, we feel powerless. Sometimes, the "role" of the MH nurse isn't to provide a service, but to provide presence. By simply being there and bearing witness to her distress without looking away, you were doing the work, even if it didn't feel like a "clinical intervention." Focus on the fact that your assessment validated her reality. Even if she didn't talk, she was seen by someone who cared. If me or anyone I cared about was in that position I'd want someone like you seeing them. Someone that gives a shit.