By Gabrielle Vailencour
Suicide is a serious topic which is not often brought up during discussions.
As a result, many individuals may not understand the urgency of this issue, and thus ignore potential signs of suicide within those who are struggling.
As a way to educate students and faculty, Western’s Human Resources offers numerous Question, Persuade and Respond trainings all over campus. Access to these can be found on the Human Resources website under “We All Have A Roll To Play In Suicide Prevention.”
These QPR trainings focus on illuminating and correcting many myths and stigmas concerning suicide within society, providing trainees basic knowledge of the emotions which cause suicidal thoughts, how to recognize warning signs and ways to refer individuals to mental help resources on campus.
Suicide is a real issue which requires sensitivity and compassion for those who are struggling, and QPR trainers work to reduce negative connotations and blame that are often associated with this subject. These trainings are not meant to make anyone an expert, rather they are offered to give some insight to the reality of suicide.
Ian Vincent, Western’s men’s resiliency specialist, has worked alongside Western’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator KaSandra Church, to help make these important trainings happen.
“The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing an innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training,” Vincent said.
These powerful trainings bring positive change to the way society views suicidal individuals and provide skills that can help reduce the number of deaths by suicide.
“It can be thought of similarly to CPR,” says Annie Gordon, AS Vice President for Student Life.
“Many folks are CPR trained and might never use the training, but it’s a good tool to have in your back pocket.”
Gordon has assisted in training AS employees and has arranged so that supervisors may pay Western employees for attending these suicide prevention trainings.
“Because suicide is such an important topic,” Gordon explains, “I would argue that it’s relevant training for all to receive, and could greatly impact a work environment and a university setting, so in my mind, getting paid for it seems right.”
Educating as many as possible can greatly benefit students on campus, as well as family members and friends of those who become QPR certified.
Lasting from one hour to 90 minutes, QPR trainings provide valuable information that can be used in helping struggling individuals stay alive.
“We believe that every life is a life worth saving,” Vincent said. “And we all have a role to play in suicide prevention.”