NDSU Extension to offer free mental health support training webinars

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Research shows that people working in agriculture experience higher rates of stress and suicide than in many other occupations. Studies also indicate that strong social support and access to helpful resources can significantly reduce stress levels and suicide risk.

To help address these challenges, North Dakota State University Extension will offer three "Question. Persuade. Refer." (QPR) suicide prevention webinars this coming winter season: Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m., Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. and Feb. 10 at 11 a.m.

The free, 90-minute webinars will focus on the unique stressors facing people in agriculture and the impact those pressures can have on mental and emotional well-being.

Similar to how CPR training prepares people to respond during a medical emergency, QPR training equips participants to recognize the warning signs of mental health distress or suicidal thoughts. Participants will learn practical skills to approach someone with compassion, offer support and connect them with appropriate resources.

"A consistent message we want people in agriculture to hear is that it's OK to not be OK and that help is available," says Sean Brotherson, NDSU Extension family science specialist. "Your health is your most important resource for daily well-being, and this training helps us put health first."

The webinars will be facilitated by Katie Henry, NDSU Extension agent for Cavalier County; Jill Sokness, NDSU Extension agent for Cass County; and Madeleine Smith, NDSU Extension state pesticide specialist.

Although the training is designed with agricultural producers, farm families and others working in agriculture in mind, anyone interested in learning suicide prevention skills is welcome to participate. The training is free and is supported through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

Registration is limited to the first 30 participants. Register for any webinar at ndsu.ag/QPR-winter26-27.

For more information, contact Adriana Drusini at [email protected] or Brotherson at [email protected].

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