Addressing the wellness needs of those working in agriculture or related areas will be the focus of upcoming Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention webinars sponsored by North Dakota State University Extension. The 90-minute webinars will address concerns of high stress levels in agriculture-related jobs and the toll on mental and emotional well-being. The sessions will be offered on Jan. 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Feb. 4 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Research indicates the suicide rate is significantly higher for those working in agriculture. The QPR training will provide participants with awareness and skills to recognize and respond to warning signs of a mental health crisis or suicidal thinking, and how to respond in an appropriate and supportive way.

“Ongoing farm and ranch stress takes a toll on health, including mental and emotional well-being,” says Sean Brotherson, NDSU Extension family science specialist. “We say, ‘Sometimes you need help and sometimes you are help.’”

NDSU Extension agents Katie Henry from Cavalier County and Jill Sokness from Cass County and Extension pesticide specialist Madeleine Smith will facilitate the webinars.

Though focused on individuals working in and around agriculture, anyone interested in the topic can register. There is no cost for the training, which is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Registration is limited to the first 30 participants per webinar. To learn more or to register for the January training session, visit ndsu.ag/qpr-training.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Adriana Drusini at adriana.drusini@ndsu.edu or Sean Brotherson at sean.brotherson@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Dec. 13, 2024

Source: Adriana Drusini, 701-231-1856, adriana.drusini@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu