(WSAW) - Suicide is a top 10 leading cause of death in Wisconsin. The Department of Health Services says they are seeing higher trends with white men in rural communities experiencing suicidal thoughts. On World Suicide Prevention Month, DHS is highlighting efforts to save lives every day.
Data from the Department of Health Services show suicides across Wisconsin have increased over the past four years. Experts say factors like money and school are contributing to the increasing numbers.
In the most recent data from Wisconsin DHS, 932 people from across Wisconsin took their own lives in just one year. Experts say the pandemic may have caused people to become disconnected from each other and other support systems.
"Kids in schools," Wisconsin DHS Division of Public Health State Health Officer and Administrator Paula Tran said. "We see in the patterns and trends that kids are increasingly reporting self-harm and suicidal ideology."
She adds there are many other contributing factors.
"Challenges with personal finances, income -- challenges in school environments, community environments," Tran said.
The 988 crisis line was launched just over two years ago. Since then, the number of calls has increased by nearly 2,000.
"There's been a really big increase in how many we're answering, but that demand coming from Wisconsinites also continues to increase at a pretty quick level," DHS Crisis Services Coordinator Caroline Crehan-Neumann said.
The DHS says when someone is in life-threatening danger a local, in-person response is the best chance of saving a life.
"In Wisconsin, every month, less than one percent of people who contact 988 end up needing a local response," Crehan-Neumann said.
Tran added there is work everyone can do to help raise awareness such as having more resources for those who are struggling. Whether that is the 988 Lifeline or telehealth services.
"This is a really serious concern and many of our community members, our neighbors, our loved ones, are experiencing challenges across the mental health spectrum," Tran said.
If you or somebody you know is struggling, call the 988 crisis line, it is free 24/7.