QPR Training

QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. This emergency mental health gatekeeper training intervention teaches lay and professional gatekeepers to recognize and respond positively to someone exhibiting suicide warning signs and behaviors.

Like CPR, QPR uses a “chain of survival” approach in which the gatekeeper learns to recognize early suicide warning signs. Then they can:

1. Question their meaning to determine suicide intent or desire
2. Persuade the person to accept or seek help
3. Refer the person to appropriate resources

QPR gatekeeper training takes approximately one hour to complete. Time well spent to learn how you can save a life!

Sources for QPR Training

Mental Health Association Oklahoma offers real-time training with the opportunity for discussion and questions. This service is free.

QPR Institute offers online and in person training for a fee.

Know the Warning Signs

  • Abrupt changes in personality

  • Giving away possessions

  • Previous suicide attempt

  • Use of drugs and/or alcohol

  • Change in eating pattern - significant weight change

  • Change in sleeping pattern - insomnia/oversleeping

  • Unwillingness or inability to communicate

  • Depression

  • Extreme or extended boredom

  • Accident prone (carelessness)

  • Restlessness

  • Unusual sadness, discouragement and loneliness

  • Talk of wanting to die

  • Perfectionism

  • Neglect of academic work and/or personal appearance

  • Chronic Pain, Panic or Anxiety

  • Family disruptions - divorce, trauma, losing loved one

  • Confusion - Inability to concentrate

  • Running away from home or truancy from school

  • Rebelliousness - reckless behavior

  • Withdrawal from people/activities they love

Know the Risk Factors

  • Problems with school or the law

  • Breakup of a romance

  • Unexpected pregnancy

  • Loss of security...fear of authority, peers, group or gang members

  • Stress due to new situations; college or relocating to a new community

  • Failing in school or failing to pass an important test

  • A serious illness or injury to oneself

  • Seriously injuring another person or causing another person's death (example: automobile accident) 

  • Major loss...of a loved one, a home, divorce in the family, a trauma, a relationship

  • A stressful family life. (having parents who are depressed or are substance abusers, or a family history of suicide)