Youth Suicide Prevention: The Critical Importance of QPR Training

 
 

Youth suicide is a devastating reality that affects countless families, schools, and communities across the nation. It’s the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Indiana alone, thousands of young people struggle with thoughts of suicide each year. The pain and loss caused by suicide are immeasurable, but one thing is clear: suicide is preventable.

One of the most effective tools we have in suicide prevention is QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training. Just as CPR can save someone in physical crisis, QPR is a proven intervention that equips individuals with the skills to save someone experiencing a mental health crisis. It provides everyday people with the ability to recognize warning signs, offer hope, and refer someone in need to the appropriate help.

Understanding QPR: A Life-Saving Skillset

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer, a straightforward, three-step approach to intervening in a suicide crisis. The idea behind QPR is simple but powerful: anyone can learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, just as anyone can learn how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

  • Question: This step teaches individuals how to directly ask someone if they are having thoughts of suicide. It may seem daunting, but research shows that asking the question does not increase the risk of suicide; in fact, it can open a vital conversation. Asking someone directly can break the silence and allow them to share what they are going through.

  • Persuade: Once someone has opened up, the next step is to persuade them to stay alive, even if just for a short time. This involves offering hope, listening non-judgmentally, and letting them know that their pain is temporary and help is available.

  • Refer: The final step is to guide the individual to the appropriate resources for professional help. Whether it’s connecting them to a counselor, hotline, or a mental health service, the goal is to ensure they receive the care they need as quickly as possible.

Why QPR Training is Critical for Youth Suicide Prevention

Youth today face a unique set of challenges that can increase feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair. From academic pressures and social media influences to bullying and mental health struggles, young people are often overwhelmed. However, many youth who contemplate suicide do not outwardly appear depressed, making it harder for adults and peers to recognize the warning signs.

This is where QPR training can make a life-saving difference. The training empowers anyone—parents, teachers, coaches, friends, or community members—to become "gatekeepers" who can recognize and respond to the signs of crisis. QPR focuses on everyday people, not just mental health professionals, being able to take action when someone is at risk.

Research shows that individuals trained in QPR feel more confident in their ability to intervene and are more likely to engage in conversations about suicide prevention. This confidence can be the key to reaching out to a young person who may be silently struggling. In many cases, just one caring conversation can mean the difference between life and death.

How You Can Make a Difference

You don’t need to be a mental health expert to save a life. QPR training is accessible to everyone and only takes about an hour to complete. That one hour could equip you with the skills to intervene in a youth suicide crisis and help someone in their darkest moment.

At the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, we offer QPR Gatekeeper training to empower individuals and communities to take an active role in suicide prevention. By learning QPR, you become part of the solution, spreading hope, support, and the message that help is available.

Youth suicide is preventable, and we all have a role to play. By learning QPR, you can be the person who helps save a life.

For more information on QPR training or to schedule a session, visit the training page or contact the us today.

 

Melissa Peregrin