Mental illness carries a powerful stigma in sports. Yet athletes are not immune to these disorders. Athletes can be reluctant to admit or even deal with mental health issues while they face unique and powerful stressors, including pressure to win, injuries and retirement.

Untreated mental illness is the leading cause of premature death by suicide. The QPR mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training.

The QPR Institute offers a wide range of suicide prevention training programs appropriate for every level of responsibility within an athletic setting. Our training programs are available via state-of-the-art distance learning technology. We also offer a comprehensive onsite program to train and implement our community-based program for an entire athletic department.

 

In partnership with the National Mental Health Association, the QPR Institute offers a comprehensive program to:

  1. Raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental illness,
  2. provide free mental health screening programs to student athletes and staff and,
  3. to install the QPR Institute's suicide risk reduction program

If your department is interested in helping us pilot this program please contact us.

QPR Gatekeeper Training
Our basic training program teaches the warning signs of suicide and trains you how to help suicidal people. This program would be appropriate for all athletes, coaches, strength coaches, student managers.
Two methods of training available:
1. QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention CD-ROM: This interactive CD-ROM allows for individuals to receive the training individually on their own time- more information
2. QPR Certified Gatekeeper Instructor's Course: This course trains and certifies trainers to deliver the QPR Gatekeeper program in a classroom setting and is available in a self-study format or onsite training - more information
QPR Suicide Triage Training
QPR Suicide Triage Taining is a professional level course for those individuals with a higher level of responsibility for the care of athletes and student-athletes. This course would be appropriate for all athletic trainers, coaches, and perhaps academic support staff.
Two methods of training available:
1. Available as a 10 hour multi-media online course through Eastern Washington University as either a 1 credit course or continuing education credits - more information
2. Onsite training - contact us

Online Articles of Interest

More Than Just the Blues
When the Strong are Sinking - Karen Crouse
Keeping Athletes in the Game of Life, On or Off the Field - Antonia L Baum, MD
Prisoner of Depression - L. Jon Wertheim
Athletes Are As Prone to Depression As Other People - Jared Ocana
Fearsome Opponent - Patrick Saunders