September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which can bring up a lot of strong emotions for those of us who have been impacted by suicide.
Suicide is a complex topic and there are many myths that many well-intentioned people still subscribe to. One particular myth is that if you talk about suicide, it will somehow make a person considering ending their life actually go through with it.
The truth is that talking about suicide may actually lower a person’s suicidal thoughts and increase
their chance of seeking effective help. In an effort to help reduce mental health
stigma and to increase the likelihood of saving lives, WCC Personal Counselors will be hosting a suicide gatekeeper training.
QPR is an evidence-based gatekeeper training that stands for "question, persuade and refer," the three steps anyone in the community can learn to help save a life from suicide.
It is designed for anyone to use, to recognize the warning signs that someone might be thinking about suicide, and have a conversation with the person at risk and get them to someone who can help them further, like a mental health professional.
Too often in conversations with someone, you may have a "gut feeling" that the person you’re speaking with is struggling more than they're saying. It's hard to know what to say, and whether or not you should ask them directly about suicide. QPR is specifically about these types of conversations. It will give you the skills to feel more confident in those conversations.
QPR Training Sessions
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
1) How to recognize early warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide
2) Words and phrases to say to say to offer support and hope
3) How to connect them to someone who can assess their safety and make a plan to keep them safe
DATES/TIMES (All are welcome!)
Monday, September 16: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in LA 230
Tuesday, September 17: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in LA 232
Wednesday, September 18: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in LA 230
Thursday, September 19: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in LA 232