NSU hosts QPR Suicide Prevention Training

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) - The Northeastern State University Center for Tribal Studies will host a QPR Suicide Prevention Training on March 15 at 3 p.m. in the University Center Room 223. The training will be facilitated by Beth Bowin, psychology and counseling instructor.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer, and like CPR training, is used in emergency response situations for those that may be considering suicide, or showing signs that they could be at risk. This training will help attendees understand what signs to look for and how to assess situations that could save lives.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth in Oklahoma. More than 1,000 cases of suicide occur on college campuses each year and more than half of all college students have had suicidal thoughts.

These alarming statistics are part of the reason why Sky Wildcat, an NSU graduate student, organized the training.

It seems that depression, anxiety and mental health issues have been on the rise, especially for college students, but unfortunately, support has not, Wildcat said. Personally, I have suffered from depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. I didn't know how to help myself, so I opened up to those around me. I feel that other students and those with symptoms of suicide or mental issues may look to their friends, family and peers for help before they will seek professional help; however the help they do seek is unfamiliar with what to say, or how to help. This training can help them learn how to respond to emergency situations and potentially save lives.

For more information, contact Wildcat at wildca01@nsuok.edu or the Center for Tribal Studies at 918-444-4350.