Moms need QPR training

THINK OF IT AS CPR, BUT FOR MENTAL HEALTH.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer. At its core, QPR is a skills training for community members on how to help someone experiencing thoughts of suicide. The program is similar to CPR in that while CPR can save lives from cardiac events, QPR saves lives from suicide.

The free, 90-minute QPR certification training is offered all over the country, often through county health departments. The evidence-based program was created in 1995 by mental health professionals and is taught by trained educators.

Shannon Snair has been teaching QPR classes throughout the Mid-Valley, as part of her work as an Addiction Specialist for Linn County Health Services.

“Oregon’s suicide rate has remained higher than the national average for many years,” said Snair. “In 2024, Oregon recorded 941 suicide deaths statewide, and suicide remained the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 – 24.”

For moms with children in that age group, learning early signs of distress is key. “Moms are often the first people to notice when something feels off or doesn’t seem quite right with their child,” said Snair.

“A lot of parents worry about saying the wrong thing or making things worse by asking about suicide, but one of the most important things we stress in QPR is that asking directly and showing you care can actually be incredibly helpful,” said Snair.

“It also shows your child that you are comfortable talking about it and that they can come to you without fear or judgment,” she added.

Learning what to look for and knowing what to say is challenging, as it first involves overcoming our own emotional reaction to suicide which can range from shock, fear, anger and more. At a training, you’ll gain an understanding of what happens leading up to suicide, then more about the QPR components:

Question. You’ll learn how and when to try talking with a person at risk. The types of questions range from indirect, such as “Have you been unhappy lately?” to direct, “Are you thinking about suicide?”

Persuade. At first you might think this involves pleas or guilt; in reality, it is much more about listening. First, not interrupting or judging a person in crisis is crucial, from there you move into persuading. In QPR training you learn what to say, and what to do if a person in crisis refuses help.

REFER. The last step in the training is knowing how and where to get your loved one the professional help they need. Counties offers a range of resources, and calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is a 24-hour option.

There’s a myth that talking about suicide will put the idea into a person’s mind. “This is not true,” said Snair. “In fact, it lowers the pressure and opens the conversation.”

“Talking about suicide can feel intimidating at first,” Snair said. “Practicing QPR skills in a live training helps people feel more comfortable and confident having those conversations.”

Snair notes that QPR skills can be used with anyone in your life who might be struggling. That might mean an aging parent: the elderly are at a high risk of suicide often stemming from loss, such as losing their ability to drive, moving out of their family homes and grieving the deaths of their loved ones.

For moms in the sandwich generation — those with dependent children who are also keeping watch over their elderly parents — it’s even more important to take a QPR class.

Reasearch from the QPR Institute has shown that the vast majority of people at risk of suicide want to live. “If the right help is given, they may never attempt suicide again,” said Snair.

She added, “There is hope for people who are struggling with their mental health and having thoughts of suicide. Help is available, recovery is possible, and we know that support and treatment can make a real difference.”

Call 988 If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text or chat 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Who is most at risk of suicide?

According to the QPR Institute, people at the most risk for suicide are:

• Males of any age

• Young adults

• Elders

• First responders

• LGBTQ youth

• Veterans

• Minorities

• Farmers