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Suicide continues to grow as a public health issue in Wisconsin. Among state residents, the suicide rate increased by 40% from 2000-2017. This is an issue associated with tremendous loss that affects individuals, families, and communities across the state. Suicide is also a complex issue, as it involves many factors that can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Such risk factors include mental health and substance use issues, financial difficulties, physical illness, social isolation, childhood and historical trauma, and ease of access to the methods people use in suicide attempts. These risks can be decreased and suicide can be prevented, though support is needed to help inform prevention efforts in the state. (Source)
Although suicide rates are lowest among youth, suicide in this age group is a significant public health issue, representing the second leading cause of death among adolescents (ages 10–19) in Wisconsin and nationally for many years. From 2013–2017, 271 adolescents died by suicide in Wisconsin.
In addition to Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System data, this portion of the report shows data from the Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which is conducted as part of a national effort by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor health-risk behaviors of the nation’s high school students. According to the 2021 La Crosse County YRBS, 17% of students seriously considered suicide in the last 12 months.
If you are suicidal or you think someone you know is, we want you to know that help is available and recovery is possible! Start by learning the warning signs, and do whatever you can to get yourself or someone you care about to the help they need so that they can return to living a fully functioning life.
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