Suicide prevention training helps save lives in North Dakota

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – More than 49,000 people in the United States committed suicide in 2022, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than a million people have attempted suicide.

Communities across the state, like NDSU Ward County Extension, hope to reduce these numbers through their suicide prevention training.

Just like the life-saving CPR procedure, there is also a suicide prevention procedure called QPR. It means “Question, persuade, refer”.

That’s what Michelle Lauckner learned during Tuesday’s training.

“These are scary questions. I don’t want anyone to say, ‘Yeah, I’m thinking about suicide,’ especially someone I really care about,” Lauckner said.

Instructors said the course gives you the confidence to reach out and help save a life.

“When you hear there’s been a suicide somewhere near you, I know I’m thinking, ‘Oh, wow.’ If I had only known. If only I had known this person needed help,” said Myra Badger, Family Extension and Welfare Agent.

Lauckner has been certified for a while now, but said this course helps her complete her training as an instructor. mental health first aid course. In fact, she had to use her training skills with someone in crisis.

“There was some resistance right away, but just being able to sit down with someone and know that I was a safe person I think made it easier,” said Lauckner.

The skills she learned helped save a life.

“It’s actually turned into a relationship where we can reach out to each other.” If I’m having difficulty or if this person is having difficulty,” Lauckner said.

Instructors said one of the biggest challenges when approaching someone who may be having suicidal thoughts is fear.

“That’s the first thing, it’s just fear. A lot of times you’re scared, you just want to avoid that situation,” Badger said.

She said simple things like saying the words suicide or killing yourself can be difficult.

“It’s hard for people to say those words,” Badger said.

But they said it’s okay not to know all the answers and it’s enough to just be supportive.

The expansion plans to host more in-person and virtual suicide prevention classes in the future.

Visit them website to stay informed about their upcoming classes.

You can dial 988 to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline. It is available 24 hours a day.