CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officials said that suicide rates are highest in the springtime. Isolation and loneliness are big factors that more people may be experiencing right now because of the stay-at-home orders.
A local mental health advocate is offering a free suicide prevention course called QPR training.
“QPR stands for question, persuade, refer. It is about an hour to an hour-and-a-half class. It teaches you how to approach someone who might be in crisis, how to talk and listen in a nonjudgemental way and how to help refer them to the help that they need,” said Fonda Bryant, a mental health advocate.
The course teaches the warning signs of suicide, such as if a person is not eating or sleeping, talking about not being here or giving away prized possessions.
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It also teaches that people should ask the person directly if they are thinking of suicide and if they have a plan.
Also, the course said when someone is in crisis, people should not put their hands on that person.
Bryant said the course recommends that one person in every family has the training.
The virtual QPR training is on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
To join the meeting, click here. People can also call 1-872-240-3212 and use the access code 549-018-973.
>>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s Erica Bryant speaks to Fonda Bryant about the course.
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