LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people and for those who are already struggling with their mental health it can add even more. QPR, or question, persuade and refer, is a free training focused solely on suicide prevention. “It is a training that is widely available and highly effective at training individuals to know how to respond when a loved one, a family member anyone that you encounter may be in a crises related to suicide,” said Dr. Lindsey Jasinski with UK Eastern State Hospital. Dr. Jasinski says the training, available through UK Healthcare, can take about an hour to complete. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, more than 800,000 people commit suicide each year. And in Kentucky, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34 and the 13th leading cause of death in the commonwealth overall. With this training, people will be able to help those around them during a crisis. “It teaches individuals how to ask questions and how to respond when somebody might say yeah I’ve been thinking about suicide,” said Jasinski. The training also challenges myths related to suicide. One of which is that suicide rates increase during the holiday season. While this may not be true, mood related symptoms do increase. CC Rhein, a student at UK, took QPR training in high school. She believes there are two main reasons everyone should take this training, especially those in school. “That first one is going to be that people in peer groups tend to see each other a little bit more clearly,” said Rhein. “So, I as a student am able to see when other students are struggling maybe a little bit easier than those parents. Then that other reason is when we start young, we’re able to create a lasting culture of awareness.” Rhein adds she hopes her peer group is more aware of mental health needs and support. If you, or someone close to you, are struggling with a mental health crisis you can call or text 988 for help. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: CC Rhein, Lindsey Jasinski, QPR, Suicide, Suicide Prevention, suicide prevention training, UK Healthcare