Save a life, be concerned

SOUTH BEND, IN — Thousands of people commit suicide in the United States each year. Many times there are certain notable behaviors a person who is thinking or planning to commit suicide will display. These behaviors could be verbal, written and even non-verbal. The Student Counseling Center has a new suicide prevention workshop that can help all students, faculty and staff understand how to help someone who is in danger of committing suicide.

“QPR is a suicide prevention education program offered on campus for faculty, staff and students,” said Jean Henry, Staff Counselor in the Student Counseling Center.

QPR stands for:

• Question a person about suicide
• Persuade the person to get help
• Refer the person to the appropriate resource

It is extremely important to note that the minimal hour workshops held through the Student Counseling Center will guide one of the best methods in terms of handling this sensitive subject.

The Student Counseling Center is trying to, “raise awareness to the many ways [someone] contemplating suicide often communicates their thoughts, and how to question them further,” said Henry.  This initiative is supposed to, “educate anyone on how to respond in order to instill hope and persuade the person to get help. It should also inform [the] IUSB community as to the appropriate referral sources,” said Henry.

One of the biggest debates when it comes to suicide is adolescents and teenagers who are committing suicide due to being bullied from homosexuality. David Cassell, senior, believes, “staying active in a child’s life is key to subsiding bullying. Community programs and awareness are critical to stopping suicide.” This is one of the reasons the QPR initiative will have a positive impact on this community.

To get involved proactively, students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to, “become trained at the next QPR gatekeeper training on campus. [Also] organize a group interested in the training. All campus organizations, clubs, teams, etc. are welcome,” said Henry.

If anyone believes someone is at risk of committing suicide, they should, “listen in a private setting. Don’t try to problem solve,” said Henry. There are so many resources in the community for extensive help with suicide including Memorial Epworth as well as IU South Bend Campus Police. Of course, calling 9-1-1 and the Student Counseling Center are resources as well.

The Student Counseling Center can be found in the Administration Building, room 130. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday by appointment. Their hours vary by semester. Visit www.iusb.edu/~sbscc or call 574-520-4125 for further information on the QPR initiative and for dates and times of future workshops.

The Student Counseling Center staff and some faculty are trained professionals at coaching these workshops.

“QPR is intended to provide hope through positive action,” said Henry, “our purpose is to get the word out. This can possibly save a life.”

Find out more here.

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