Suicide Prevention Training in New Meadows
A group gathered at Meadows Valley Public Library last Tuesday afternoon to learn about suicide prevention. Six people came to the class in person and two attended via zoom. Because of treacherous road conditions, Karen Swenson and Tara Woodward from Southwest District Health, taught the free 90-minute QPR class virtually. The QPR acronym stands for Question, Persuade, Refer. The class was hosted by the Adams County Health Action Team (ACHAT).
Participants were taught how to be Gatekeepers of QPR: Someone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide.
Just like CPR is emergency help for someone with a health crisis, QPR is an emergency intervention for someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Karen emphasized, “Just as talking about physical pain helps diminish it, talking about suicide with someone willing and able to listen reduces psychological pain almost immediately.” Trained Gatekeepers are merchants of hope, and hope helps prevent suicide.
In 2022, Idaho had the 12th highest suicide rate in the United States. 455 Idahoans died of suicide in 2022. Last year, the number was 430.
There are some myths about suicide that were covered in the class. Myth 1: No one can stop a suicide, it’s inevitable. Fact: If people get the help they need, they may never be suicidal again. Myth 2: Asking a person about suicide will only make them angry. Fact: Asking lowers anxiety. Myth 3: Only experts can prevent suicide. Fact: Anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide. Myth 4: People considering suicide keep their plans to themselves. Fact: Most people communicate their intent. Myth 5: People that talk about suicide do not do it. Fact: People that talk about it may try or even complete an act of self-destruction. Myth 6: There’s nothing anyone can do once a person decides to complete suicide. Fact: Suicide is the most preventable means of death.
The class taught about clues and warnings to watch and listen for and how to talk to people in distress as well as wording to use so as not to criticize, insult or render judgment.
A key to QPR is knowing what’s going on around you and seeing who might need encouragement. If in doubt, don’t wait. Offer to listen and let them know you care and are there for them. If you don’t have time, find someone that does. Offer to help find resources for them or offer to call or text 988. (see call988idaho.com for more info) How you help them is less important than just doing it.
There are many questions you can ask from “Are you unhappy?” to “Are you so unhappy that you’re thinking about suicide?” It’s OK just to listen in silence and offer hope in any form you can think of, even if it’s a new video game coming out soon. Say things like “Promise me that you won’t hurt yourself until we find help.”, “How can we keep you safe?”, “Let’s call 988.” “I’m on your side.”, “I want you to live.” and “I’ll help you.”
If you’d like to attend this QPR class, it will be given again at Meadows Valley School on Friday the 15th from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Karen and Tara should be there in person, weather permitting. You can get a hold of Karen at Karen.Swenson@swdh.id.gov or (208) 954-6528.
