Share What is QPR? (Question, Persuade and Refer) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on print|More Sharing ServicesMore Reading Eagle Company Reading Eagle Internet Services Reading Eagle Press H. Reese Butler II, who is widely known as a suicide prevention educator and consultant, advocates using QPR when interacting with someone who may be considering suicide. QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer, and is an effective means of stopping someone from attempting or completing suicide, Butler said. He provided the following tips for someone who is worried that a loved one may be considering suicide: ⢠Don't wait to ask if he or she needs help. ⢠Talk in a private setting and give yourself plenty of time; don't appear impatient. ⢠Be persistent if the person is reluctant to talk. ⢠Allow the person to speak freely; do not appear judgmental or minimize his or her feelings. ⢠Get resources such as phone numbers, the name of a counselor or safe shelter in place before beginning the conversation. â¢Give your full attention. ⢠Offer hope in any form and remind the person that suicide is a response to a problem that ultimately can be solved. ⢠Ask the person to accompany you to a safe place where she can get help. ⢠If possible, take him or her directly to someone who is trained in mental health counseling. ⢠If the person won't go immediately, ask him or her to commit to talking with a professional, and then make an appointment. ⢠"Sometimes, all you have to do is sit next to someone and tell them that they're not alone," Butler said. "Tell them that you want them to live, that you're on their side and you're there for them. Be part of the life raft for them."
