Suicide Prevention/Training

• Thoughts of killing oneself or others
• Previous suicide attempt/s
• Has a definite and detailed plan
• Access to means (i.e., pills, firearms, sharp instruments)
• Lack of protective factors/meaningful reasons for living
• Has a history of impulsivity and/or poor self-control
• Is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Was recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital
• Suicide note written and/or given away personal belongings
• Feelings of despair or hopelessness
• Psychotic symptoms
• Family history of suicide/exposure to suicide in social environment
• History of trauma

• Be direct and ask clear quesitons (i.e., “have you been thinking about ending your life?”)
• Approach in non-judgmental ways so people feel more comfortable sharing their struggles.
• Empathize with the person and their desire to reduce their pain. Also let them know that there is help and hope out there.
• Obtain the person’s location and emergency contact information.
• For additional tips, please review MCC's Crisis Response Guide.

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is offering free Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training. This is a one-hour online training that educates participants on identifying the signs of a suicidal crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. During this on-demand training, attendees will learn the following:

• Warning signs of suicide and suicide prevention 
• How to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide
• How to listen and refer someone for help

To access this free training please visit the QPR Institute's Gatekeeper Training website. Use the organizational code: SPCNY.