Alan Berman, executive director of the American Association of Suicidology, recommends three steps for an advisor to follow in gauging the mental well-being of an older male client:
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Observe What He Says and Does. Symptoms of depression may be communicated or observed.
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Ask Questions. These might range from an open-ended "How are you doing?" to more specific questions, such as:
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"How are you spending your time?"
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"How have you been eating?"
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"What are you looking forward to?"
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"How have you been dealing with [a specific medical problem or personal loss]?"
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Refer and Foster Help-Seeking. An advisor's role is not to act as a counselor or therapist, Berman said, but to be a concerned friend. No specialized skills are required—and helping someone get evaluated and helped when there is a hint of concern is what friends do.
