Watching someone endure symptoms of major depression, particularly suicidality, can be extremely difficult to bear, and our own strong reactions can impede treatment. Empathy, assertiveness, and hope are necessary to effectively support someone in the grips of depression, but how do we strike the right balance when faced with such overwhelming despair?

With the helping professional in mind, we witness two scenarios that contrast novice and proficient work with a depressed woman recovering from a recent suicide attempt. In this informative video, you’ll see the difference between common errors that can derail a session, and the small, sometimes understated actions that lead to positive outcomes.

Claire is a suicide survivor who laments her relationship with her husband and children, convinced that she’s not the wife or mother she should be and that her family would be better off without her. In the first scenario, you’ll watch Pat, her psychiatric nurse, attempt unsuccessfully to engage or soothe her. With the patient immersed in guilt and despair, Pat is visibly nervous, reticent, and lacks the capacity to build rapport with the patient, leading to an awkward, unhelpful exchange. In contrast, the second vignette features a much more skillful, confident Pat gain Claire’s trust by making easy eye contact, using assertive communication, and empathizing with Claire’s plight while reframing her pain as conviction—a desire to be there for her family. Pat demonstrates techniques such as scaling questions, reflection statements, and simple psychoeducation, expressed with a warmth that helps Claire feel cared for and brings a sense of hope to her predicament.

This video offers valuable instruction on the subtle yet meaningful differences that distinguish new practitioners from more experienced and effective practitioners. If you’re looking to enhance your own skill set, or teach students to do so, this video is a must-see.