ATLANTA — September is Suicide Prevention Month and to help raise awareness on the stigmatized topic, mental health nonprofit CHRIS 180 offers community members free, lifesaving training to prevent it.
"People should think of it like CPR because this can save lives if you have the tools," said Kathy Colbenson, president and CEO of CHRIS 180.
Known as Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) - the nationally recognized training program teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds how to help save a life from suicide.
The free training is part of the behavioral health organization’s goal to train as many people as possible in the simple yet effective way of responding when someone shares they may be thinking about suicide.
The health organization proves knowledge is power by helping break misconceptions that contribute to the stigmatization of suicide. For example, the belief that talking about suicide will give a person the idea of suicide.
"If you have the thought that you're concerned, I guarantee you the person is struggling because we know the people in our lives," said Colbenson.
Research has shown this not to be true. Instead, it shows that asking someone if they are having suicidal thoughts is more likely to save a life.
"You're not going to plant the idea of suicide in someone's mind. If you have a sense that you're concerned, it's already there," Colbenson added.
To help prevent deaths lost to suicide, CHRIS-180 will offer courses designed for the public and groups at greater risk throughout Sept. 29.
Provisional CDC data shows that the number of suicide deaths in 2022 is the highest ever recorded. Groups at greater risk include people of color and people in the LGBTQ+ community, according to the CDC.
Although offered year-round by the nonprofit at a set price, the one-and-a-half-hour suicide prevention training is free of charge thanks to support from a donor.
Click here to register.
Other suicide prevention resources
Chris 180 offers therapy and counseling for different types of trauma, family issues, mental health and substance use challenges. View the health organization's resources here.
The nonprofit organization, The Trevor Project focuses on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. Confidential assistance is provided by trained counselors 24/7. View information to reach them here.
Georgia's Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides resources in English and Spanish, for one of the state's largest communities - Latinos. Programs over what people can do to fight suicide are offered along with programs for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Click here for more information.
If you know someone in need of immediate help, call the crisis lifeline at 988.