(ND Ag Connection) – Addressing the wellness needs of those working in agriculture or related areas will be the focus of several upcoming Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention webinars sponsored by North Dakota State University Extension. The 90-minute webinar will address concerns of high stress levels in agriculture-related jobs and the toll on mental and emotional well-being. It will be offered twice: Feb. 6 and March 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. CST.

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 warning signs of a mental health crisis or suicidal thinking and respond in an appropriate and supportive way.

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