By Jeannie Pederson, Pope County Family Collaborative Coordinator

There are so many ways we care for others. As the temps heat up, we’ll be wanting to check in with neighbors and friends who may not have air conditioning to be sure they are ok. 

A meal shared with a family who has just had a new baby or another who has lost a family member is another way to show we care. A written note of appreciation for a kindness done for oneself is always welcome along with congratulations on a graduation, new job or home. 

We’re also showing we care by talking about it. Suicide. Nearly 60 community members gained skills through the QPR training last week with a focus on three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide.  Question – Do they have thoughts? Feelings? Plans? Don’t be afraid to ask. Persuade the person to get help. Listen carefully. Then say, “Let me help.” Or, “Come with me to find help.” Refer for help. Stay with them until someone can help them. If a child or adolescent, contact any adult, any parent. Or call a counselor, minister, teacher, coach or the listed numbers. QPR is not a form of counseling or treatment. By learning QPR, participants come to recognize the warning signs, clues, and suicidal communications of people in trouble, and gain skills to act vigorously to prevent a possible tragedy. Watch for another training to be held in the fall.

* MN Warm line call: or text 844-739-6369 – Peer Support Connection (available when you’re not, if they have very few contacts) 

*Call 911 first if you or someone you love is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency or may be a danger to someone else.

Region 4 South Mental Health Crisis Response Team. They offer short-term, face-to-face crisis intervention services for children and adults. They respond immediately to crisis situations 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (701-364-0431).                                                                                          

*Go with them to an emergency room for help.                                                                                      

*Call 211 if you need assistance locating long-term mental health resources, talking through a problem, or exploring mental health treatment options, call 211 to speak with a live person who can help.                                                                                                                                

*National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.                                                 

*Veterans Crisis Line: call 1-800273-TALK (8255) and press 1; or text 838255.                                                                                              

*Lakeland Mental Health – Glenwood (320-634-3446)                                                    

*Solutions Behavioral Health – Alexandria (320-762-5411)                                                    

*The Village Family Service Center – Alexandria (320-762-8851)                                 

 *Lutheran Social Services – Alexandria (320-762-5124)                                                                                                                                  Attendees were encouraged to be persistent in our listening skills and offering of help. At the same time, be sure to take care of yourself.                                                                                     

Self-care for caregivers or supporters – Supporting a person who is suicidal, has attempted suicide, or is bereaved by suicide, can generate a broad range of feelings. It can be challenging to do but also humbling and rewarding. At times it can be confusing, stressful and even overwhelming. As with any other time of stress it is essential that you look after yourself emotionally and physically. Staying connected with your friends and family should also be a priority.                                                                                                                                     

Manage your stress – There may be a lot of demands on your time and energy. To ensure you remain healthy it is important to try to minimize stress. It’s all about trying to find the right balance for you – balancing how much you can offer others while also looking after your own needs.                                                                                                                                      

Develop a support network for yourself – Finding the right mix of people to support you is a key step in looking after yourself. Think about the people you know who are trustworthy, are good listeners, who you like being with and who understand you. Some people, who have had similar experiences, have also found it helpful to link with other people in person or online.                                                                                                              

Making time for yourself – During stressful times, it’s easy to overlook your own needs. Look for ways to include activities you enjoy within your usual routine. Spend time with people you like to be with. Remember to look for fun and to laugh. Stay in the moment – notice the times when you are enjoying things.                                                                                                    Consider your lifestyle – Your wellbeing will be affected by your lifestyle. It can be helpful to think about whether your lifestyle is supporting or hindering your capacity to cope.                                                                                     

Access support services – You may find it helpful to access a support service to talk about what has happened and to work out how you can move forward. Health professionals also understand that you need to look after yourself in order to support someone else.  References – QPR Institute, Lakeland Mental Health & beyondblue.org.au