Mental health awareness is crucial for everyone, especially for students. Without good mental health, participating in social activities, excelling in classes and maintaining proper nutrition are all at risk.
Due to years of societal stigma, men often have a difficult time seeking resources to aid their mental health. June marked Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, and one of the ways Tech is making efforts to increase mental well-being resources on campus is through the Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) training.
The QPR training program is designed to offer hope and help to anyone displaying warning signs of suicide. Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and Tech’s on-campus QPR training aim to address the stigma around mental health and provide a safe haven for any students experiencing harmful thoughts and feelings. By breaking down stereotypes and helping men seek mental well-being, the initiative not only improves their everyday lives but also provides peace of mind for their loved ones.
Aditi Bang, third-year BME, received her QPR certification through her role as a Resident Assistant (RA). She emphasized the importance of QPR training in providing practical tools for mental health support.
“QPR is like CPR but for the brain and mind. They both help the well-being of students,” said Bang.
“The training process was really relaxed and interactive,” said Eisha Sharma, fourth-year BME and RA, who completed the training. “The instructor walked us through scenarios, such as how to talk to someone experiencing suicidal ideation, and helped us understand how to question, persuade, and refer someone to get the help they need.”
With the rising statistics of men’s suicide rates compared to women’s, it is becoming a critical issue that often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men died by suicide 3.85 times more often than women in 2022. Sharma shared her observations of women reaching out for help more than men.
“As an RA for freshmen, I noticed that women are more likely to talk to me about their issues than men, even though I had more men on my floor,” Sharma said. “With QPR training, it often takes more time and effort to get to the root cause of the problem with men, as they might not respond to initial questions as often as women.”
The QPR sessions emphasize accessibility and relatability to students. They can be conducted virtually or in-person and are usually led by two QPR-certified instructors. They are tailored to the needs of the attendees and can offer help through conversation, PowerPoint or practice scenarios.
“QPR sessions do a great job of making sure they are inclusive of a diverse population. And people can share as much or as little as they want to during the sessions,” Bang said.
Tech has made significant efforts to promote these sessions across campus. Flyers and advertisements for QPR training and sessions can be seen in various buildings, including residence halls and academic departments. The ultimate goal of the marketing efforts is to increase the limelight on QPR sessions and help dismantle the societal expectations for men that can deter them from seeking help.
Tech’s QPR training sessions are part of a broader effort to create a campus culture that prioritizes mental health. These efforts help foster a supportive community where all students can feel safe and understood.
For students in need of support, the Institute offers various resources. The after-hours GT CARE number is 404-894-3498, where students can dial 1 to be connected to an after-hours counselor. Additional resources include the Victim-Survivor Advocate line at 404-894-9000, the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).