The Faces of Suicide in Wisconsin

Spotlight stories

Understanding the Crisis and Finding Solutions

Suicide is a profound public health issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities across the globe.

In Wisconsin, the issue of suicide has reached alarming levels, prompting an urgent need to understand the underlying factors and implement effective preventive measures.

This case study delves into the statistics, contributing factors, and potential solutions to the suicide crisis in Wisconsin, highlighting real-life stories to illustrate the personal impact of this tragic issue

About us

Overview

Wisconsin has seen a significant increase in suicide rates over the past few decades. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the state's suicide rate has risen by nearly 40% since 2000, with an average of over 850 residents dying by suicide each year​ (Minnesota Department of Health)​​ (Minnesota Department of Health)​. The suicide rate in Wisconsin stands at 15.4 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 14.5 per 100,000​ (GovDelivery)​.

Demographics



Gender: Men are disproportionately affected by suicide in Wisconsin, accounting for approximately 75% of all suicides. The suicide rate among men is nearly four times higher than that of women.

Age: The highest rates of suicide are seen among middle-aged adults (45-54 years old) and older adults (85+ years old). However, there is a concerning trend of increasing suicide rates among young people (ages 15-24)​ (Rural Health Resource Center)​.

Race and Ethnicity: While the majority of suicides in Wisconsin occur among White residents, there has been a noticeable increase in suicide rates among Native American and African American populations in recent years.

Contributing Factors

Mental Health Issues

Mental health disorders, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, are significant risk factors for suicide. In Wisconsin, it is estimated that nearly 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death​ (Minnesota Department of Health)​.

Socioeconomic Factors

Economic hardship, unemployment, and financial stress are critical contributors to suicide risk. Rural areas in Wisconsin, where access to mental health services is limited, often experience higher rates of suicide compared to urban areas. The economic decline in these regions exacerbates feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Access to Firearms

The availability of firearms is a crucial factor in the high suicide rates in Wisconsin. Nearly 50% of all suicides in the state are carried out with a firearm. The lethality of firearms means that attempts are more likely to be fatal compared to other methods​ (Minnesota Department of Health)​.



Social Isolation

Social isolation, particularly among the elderly and individuals living in rural communities, is another significant risk factor. The lack of social support and community connections can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, increasing the risk of suicide​ (Minnesota Department of Health)​.

Real-Life Stories from Wisconsin & Beyond

The statistics alone fail to capture the human tragedy behind each suicide. The story of Jacob Anderson exemplify the personal toll of this crisis.

In 2023, Jacob Anderson, a 21-year-old student from Madison, Wisconsin, took his own life. Jacob was a bright and ambitious individual who struggled with severe depression and anxiety. Despite the support of his family and friends, Jacob felt overwhelmed by academic pressures and societal expectations. His death underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health resources and support for young people in Wisconsin.

This isn't just happening in Wisconsin,  and it isn't happening to young people alone. Take the tragic story of Dr. Lorna M. Breen who was the medical director of the emergency department at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital in Manhattan. In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was on the front lines, treating a surge of patients afflicted by the virus. After contracting COVID-19 herself, Dr. Breen took a brief period to recover and then returned to work. However, the relentless demands and emotional toll of the pandemic weighed heavily on her. While staying with family in Charlottesville, Virginia, she died by suicide on April 26, 2020, at the age of 49.

Dr. Breen's tragic death highlighted the immense pressures faced by healthcare professionals during the pandemic and underscored the critical need for mental health support within the medical community. In response, her family established the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation to advocate for the well-being of healthcare providers and to promote systemic changes that encourage seeking mental health support without fear of professional repercussions.

Prevention & Intervention Strategies

Increasing Access to Mental Health Services
Improving access to mental health services, particularly in rural areas, is essential. This can be achieved through telehealth services, mobile mental health clinics, and increasing funding for community mental health centers.

Reducing Access to Firearms
Implementing measures to reduce access to firearms among at-risk individuals is crucial. This includes promoting safe storage practices, temporary removal of firearms in crisis situations, and implementing red flag laws that allow for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.

Community-Based Support Programs
Developing and supporting community-based programs that provide social support, peer counseling, and crisis intervention can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide immediate assistance to those in need. Programs like the Zero Suicide Initiative and local suicide prevention hotlines play a critical role in these efforts.

Education and Awareness
Raising awareness about the signs of suicide, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help, and educating the public about mental health can encourage individuals to seek help before reaching a crisis point. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations should implement training programs to recognize and respond to signs of suicide.

Proactive prevention equals progress

Awareness + Action

The suicide crisis in Wisconsin is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. By understanding the contributing factors and implementing targeted prevention strategies, we can work towards reducing the rates of suicide and providing support to those in need.

At Kindred, we are committed to fostering social connections and providing a platform for peer support to help combat social isolation and improve mental health outcomes.

For more information on how you can get involved and support suicide prevention efforts, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website or reach out to local mental health organizations.

References:

1. Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2023). [Reports on Suicide and Mental Health](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mental-health/reports.htm).

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). [Suicide Data and Statistics](https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/statistics).

3. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). (2023). [Suicide Prevention in Wisconsin](https://afsp.org/chapter/wisconsin).

4. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. (2023). "The Tragic Story of Jacob Anderson." *Milwaukee Journal Sentinel*. [Link](https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2019/05/07/jacob-anderson-21-commits-suicide-mental-health-awareness/1135652001/).

5. https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/health/2023/12/28/fond-du-lacs-st-agnes-hospital-nurses-still-feel-covid-trauma/70195229007/