Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

5 S TJ O E S C H I P FA L L S . C O M Need to speak with a caring mental health professional? Make an appointment at HSHS Sacred Heart Behavioral Health Center by calling 715.717.5899. For an appointment at L.E. Phillips Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls, call 715.723.5585. Who Might Benefit from QPR Training? QPR is an emergency response technique anyone can use if they are in a situation where they feel they know someone who is suicidal. We all are a part of someone's "network," be it family, friends, co-workers, teammates, or casual acquaintances. This program is beneficial for any group, including: someone is already thinking about it. This is a way to show that person that you care." Recommendations taught in the QPR course range from direct questioning, such as asking, "Are you considering suicide?" to more roundabout ways of bringing up the topic, such as saying, "I've noticed you aren't doing very well. Do you want to talk?" Author and mental health advocate Kevin Hines knows the potential power of those simple questions. In 2000, Hines attempted suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He has commented that if one of the people he had passed on his way to the bridge had stopped and talked to him, he would not have gone through with it. "When you see someone who is in great emotional pain, walk up to him or her and say something," Hines says. "Ask the right questions, ask if the person is thinking about suicide, then stay with that person and listen. You can be that light for so many people. We can harness that power to look at people differently and realize that we're here for each other." Today, Hines speaks with groups around the country about mental health, sharing his story and spreading the message that suicide is never the answer. Plans are currently being developed at 3D Community Health to bring Hines to Eau Claire and Chippewa counties to talk about suicide awareness and prevention. TAKING THE NEXT STEPS Bringing up the topic and starting a conversation with a person in distress is just the first step of QPR. The next steps are just as important. Those who practice QPR persuade individuals to take different courses of action and guide them to the help they need. "One of the problems facing people who are considering suicide is that they don't think things will ever get better," Dr. Snider says. "So it's important to help them realize there is hope, they will not feel this way forever, and things will be different." In Hines' case, a mental health disorder was behind his suicidal thoughts. The good news for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems is that treatment yields positive results. The last step of QPR is to guide troubled individuals to the help they need. In a crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 800.273. TALK (8255). To reach the Chippewa and Eau Claire counties Prevent Suicide Wisconsin crisis line, call 888.552.6642. TO ASK THE QUESTION it's time • agencies • businesses • church groups • civic groups • clubs • colleges • correctional facilities • healthcare providers • police/fire departments • schools (staff and students) QPR Training is available for both adult and youth audiences and will be structured to fit the needs of your group. Class size is limited to 50 for adult groups and 30 for youth groups. If you are looking to train a larger group there will be options available to make sure we reach everyone. Average length of this program is 1.5 hours and is offered free of charge by a certified QPR trainer. To schedule training please contact HSHS Sacred Heart and HSHS St. Joseph's hospitals' 3D Community Health: Body.Mind.Spirit at 715.717.4481 or paula.pater@hshs.org.

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