Suicide prevention
Suicide and QPR
People considering suicide often feel very isolated and alone. They may feel that nobody can help them or understand their pain. When unable to see any other way of dealing with pain, suicide may seem to be a way out. Recognising the warning signs of suicide and learning the skills to help save a life is something that everyone should learn. QPR is a suicide prevention training program that stands for ‘Questions, Persuade and Refer’. Just as people trained in CPR and First Aid can help to save thousands of lives each year, the QPR training assists people to recognise the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone for help.
QPR was written by Dr Paul Quinnett, PhD, a clincal psychologist and trainer with over 35 years experience. QPR training can be accessed through our online Gatekeeper course that takes approximately one hour to complete. As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper, you will learn to identify the warning signs of suicide, learn how to apply QPR and also how to offer effective hope and support to people in crisis. The QPR material is ‘user friendly’, engaging and easy to digest, whilst constantly reinforcing the key messages.
How to help someone at risk
Sometimes people who have been distressed and openly suicidal become outwardly calm. Be aware that this may mean many things, including their quiet resolution to complete their suicide plan. The important thing to remember is that if someone is not their usual self or if they are showing signs that arouse your concern, you need to check it out. Most people who consider suicide get through the crisis. The help and support of family, friends and professionals can make a big difference (from Lifeline’s tool kit for helping someone at risk of suicide). Remember the best support for all involved in such a crisis is to seek help.
Counselling help lines
National
- Salvation Army 24-hour Care Line: 1300 36 36 22
- Lifeline http://www.lifeline.org.au/ 24-hour counselling service 13 11 14.
- Suicide Helpline http://www.suicidehelpline.org.au/ 24-hour counselling service 1300 651 251. Also contains links with information for those bereaving, and information on prevention
- Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800. A 24-hour crisis line for young people aged 5-18
- Suicide Prevention Crisis Line: (02) 9311 2000
- Crisis Care: (08) 9223 1111 or freecall 1800 199 008
- The Samaritans: (08) 9388 2500 or freecall 1800 198 313
- Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788
- SANE: Mental Health Information Help Line, Monday to Friday 9-5.
1800 187 263. Email: helpline@sane.org - Translating and Interpreting Service: 13 14 50
- Rural Mental Health Network, an organisation aimed primarily at farmers in NSW. Support line: 1800 201 123.
ACT
Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team 1800 629 354
New South Wales
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention 1300 363 622
Salvo Care Line 02 9331 6000
Northern Territory
Crisis Line Northern Territory 1800 019 116
Queensland
Crisis Counselling Service 1300 363 622
South Australia
Mental Health Assessment and Crisis Intervention Service 13 14 65
Tasmania
Samaritans Lifelink – country 1300 364 566
Samaritans Lifelink – metro 03 6331 3355
Victoria
Suicide Help Line Victoria 1300 651 251
Western Australia
Samaritans Suicide Emergency Service – country 1800 198 313
Emergeny Service – metro 08 9381 5555
