Helpful Articles | Center for Suicide Awareness

Unemployment and Mental Health: Surviving the Storm Until the Upswing

Wed, 28 May 2025 14:46:00 GMT

From The Center for Suicide Awareness

Losing a job doesn’t just impact your bank account — it can shake your identity, strain your relationships, and disrupt your mental and physical health in ways you may never have anticipated. The silence of long days without work can quickly become filled with fear, frustration, and self-doubt. But if you’re reading this, we want you to know one thing: you are not alone, and this moment does not define you.

Let’s talk about what unemployment really does to our well-being — and how to survive until things turn around.

The Mental Effects of Prolonged Stress and Unemployment

Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

The weight of job loss can lead to intense feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and hopelessness. Without a daily purpose or routine, the days may blur together. You may begin to question your value or lose the motivation to even try. For some, these thoughts can evolve into suicidal ideation. If this is where you are — stop and breathe. You are not broken. You are human. And help is available .

If you're in crisis, text the HOPELINE™ at 741741. We are here. Always.

Anxiety, Panic, and Manic Episodes

Not knowing how you’ll pay the next bill or feed your family can trigger anxiety so severe it becomes physical — racing heart, chest tightness, restlessness. For those managing bipolar disorder, unemployment can also bring manic episodes — bursts of energy, risky behavior, or even reckless spending in a desperate attempt to feel in control. These episodes are not failures. They are signs your nervous system is overloaded. What you need is support, not shame.

Anger and Irritability

Anger often masks pain. The loss of control that comes with job loss may show up as outbursts, damaged relationships, or frustration directed at loved ones. You are not a bad person — you are hurting. Naming that pain is the first step toward healing it.

The Physical Toll: When Stress Becomes a Body Burden

Sleep Disorders

Stress can hijack your rest. You may struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling exhausted despite hours in bed. Lack of sleep further clouds judgment, worsens mood, and diminishes your ability to cope. It’s a vicious cycle — but one you can interrupt.

Try this: Set a consistent bedtime, avoid screens an hour before sleep, and practice deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your mind.

Eating Disorders

For some, unemployment triggers binge eating for comfort. For others, anxiety leads to skipping meals entirely. Disordered eating can be your body’s desperate attempt to self-soothe or regain control. You deserve nourishment — both physically and emotionally.

Intimacy and Relationship Issues

Job loss can create distance in even the closest relationships. Feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or emotional shutdown can affect your ability to connect. Remember: your partner’s love isn’t based on your paycheck. Open communication and mutual support can restore the bond — even during crisis.

So, How Do You Survive Until the Upswing?

Build a Routine – Wake up at the same time. Move your body. Set small goals daily. Structure gives your brain a sense of control. Reach Out – Call a friend, connect with a support group, or talk to a therapist. Isolation fuels the storm. Accept Help – Food pantries, job centers, and mental health services exist for times like this. Using them is not weakness. It’s wisdom. Practice Self-Kindness – Your inner voice matters. Speak to yourself the way you would to a friend: with compassion, not criticism. Stay Hopeful – The storm will pass. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow — but storms always end.

You Matter. Always.

At The Center for Suicide Awareness , we know that surviving hard times requires more than just "thinking positive." It takes support, resources, and hope. You are not invisible. You are not alone. And you are never too far gone to come back.

If you're struggling, don't wait. Text the HOPELINE™ at 741741 Visit us at www.centerforsuicideawareness.org

We believe in your comeback. Let us walk with you until you believe in it, too.

10 Reasons You Should Be Here

Tue, 27 May 2025 18:42:00 GMT

1| A Seriously Good Song

2| Cute Animals at the Park

3| Rain on the Roof

4| A Warm Beverage

Healthline

lavender is widely used in aromatherapy to help with anxiety, depression, and fatigue

5| The Possibility of a New Favorite Movie

150 Great Feel-Good Movies to Stream Now

6| Blank Paper

Calm

7| You Can Read

8| There Are Cool People You Haven’t Met Yet

9| A Nice Blanket

10| Tomorrow Might Feel Different

Let Us Help You Find Reasons to Live

Reasons Why You Might Feel Hopeless—and How to Cope

From the Void to the Light: My Journey Back to Life

Fri, 09 May 2025 15:04:00 GMT

By Renee Kasuboski For some, I might come off as too honest or too raw—but that honesty has been the bridge between my pain and someone else’s healing. I don’t share for attention. I share because I know the cost of silence, and I want others to know they are not alone. I spent 14 years in a marriage with a narcissistic sociopath. The last five years of it, I was slipping deeper into a dark mental space—a void so deep it blocked out all emotion, all reason, and all connection to reality. It was as if my soul had been paralyzed. In those moments, nothing mattered—not my kids, not my family, not even my own life. That terrifying void convinced me that I didn’t want to be here anymore. And yet… something in me kept fighting. Sometimes it was the fear of what would happen if I failed. Sometimes it was a voice in my head from long ago, yelling, “Don’t you DARE give up. Don’t you DARE quit on me.” That voice helped me claw my way up, covered in emotional mud, exhausted and broken—but still climbing. There were nights I drove home from work on quiet country roads, death whispering in every thought. I felt numb. I remember considering just letting go of the wheel and ending it. I tried to pray it away. Tried to logic it away. Nothing worked. When I told my then-husband—who was a preacher—what I was going through, his response was: “Stop being stupid.” After that, he banned me from church, from seeing friends, and nearly from going to work. He’d switch off the radio if I found a preacher that gave me hope and put on someone who screamed about obedience and hell. Or having the children gather around the table with everyone's Bible open, he read the passage about Judas betraying Jesus and then went around the table and told the children to 1 by 1 "tell mom what you don't like about her". I remember one day, after being screamed at, we went to the YMCA with our six kids. He wanted a happy family moment. I sat on the edge of the pool—frozen. I wasn’t there. Almost catatonic. I couldn’t smile. I couldn’t pretend. I started off in the distance looking at nothing at all. He yelled at me again for not being happy and supporting him and the children. I walked in the door the days I worked, wondering what I could have possibly done wrong today. After I finally left him, I’d come home from work and lie in the dark, my dog Sam laying on top of me, trying to keep me grounded. I’d be frozen again—mute, paralyzed, unable to move or even hum. Other nights were tears and feeling completely empty, even eating or having an appetite was a challenge. Yes, I’ve been there. I understand why people end their lives. I understand the daily war. I carry horrific memories—including rape—that still echo sometimes and plagues my thoughts. It’s been 11 years since I left. And yes, he still tries to mess with my head. But here’s what else is true: I am nowhere near the person I used to be. Do I still have moments of struggle? Absolutely. But I have more wins now. More joy. More days where I feel whole. Every year brings more healing. Every day is another shot at life, another shot to break out of the shell. I’m here today because every attempt—by him or by me—failed. And I’m grateful. I don't feel sorry for myself, I think of it as an opportunity to help others in the same situation and try to give them skills to dig out of their holes of despair. If you're reading this and you're in that dark place, please hear me: you are not alone. You are not broken. You are not beyond hope. There is another side to this pain, and it is worth fighting for. And if you're still climbing—I’m here. I see you. I believe in you. Please don’t give up. Text the HOPELINE™ at 741741 if you're struggling and need someone to chat with. Sometimes it's easier to text vs talk.

A Mental Health Discussion with Motorsports Pro Devin Giles

Fri, 02 May 2025 17:35:00 GMT

A Minority Within A Minority—A Mental Health Discussion

Mental Health is not Black and White

Mental Health America

Let’s Chat About Bipolarism

Racing Bads

Racing Goods

Social Media

Track Midwest

Hypercritical

Partnerships

Summary

From the Heart of the Center: What are Passive Thoughts of Self-Harm?

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:30:00 GMT

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

The following article is a candid discussion of suicidal ideation. If reading about topics related to suicide and death is harmful to you, please stop reading now.

Scary thoughts can jump into your head while you’re doing everyday things. You might be doing the dishes or writing a grocery list when thoughts of death or suicide pop up. These thoughts might not be triggered by anything in particular—and may pass as quickly as they appeared.

When these thoughts come and go, it is called passive suicidal ideation. In the following article, we’ll talk about what passive suicidal ideation is, how active ideation is different, what causes these thoughts, and how people can learn to manage them.

What is suicidal ideation? Is it common?

Suicidal ideation, also known as suicidal thoughts, are ideas that are centered around death or suicide. It’s more common than you might think, with one study reporting that 10.6 million U.S. adults (4.3% of the U.S. adult population) have experienced suicidal thoughts.

There are different kinds of suicidal ideation—passive and active.

What are the differences between passive and active suicidal ideation?

How do I know how dangerous my thoughts are?

When speaking to a healthcare professional about these kinds of thoughts, they will often ask you questions that come from a standardized set like the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). These questions help healthcare teams assess how concerning thoughts are.

If you or someone you know answered yes to any of these questions, please seek immediate treatment from a trusted primary care provider, an emergency room, or a free resource like HOPELINE™.

Get help now. Text HOPELINE™ to 741741.

What causes suicidal ideation?

Here are some situations that may induce thoughts of death or suicide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts but don’t fit any of the categories above, remember that all ideas and feelings are still valid and important—and require attention.

What are some common treatments?

Suicidal thoughts happen to a lot of people, and every single one of those people—including you—deserve to feel better.

Feeling better looks different for everyone, but for the most part, you won’t be able to eliminate troublesome thoughts completely. Treatment is more about finding ways to manage those thoughts and the feelings that arise from them.

Ways suicidal ideation is treated:

Are you having upsetting thoughts? We’re here for you.

If your mind has been going to some dark places—thinking about death or even wondering if the world would be better off without you—please know you’re not alone. You are loved. The person writing this article knows the world needs you and everything you have to offer.

Our entire team is here to help, and it starts with a text. Just text HOPELINE™ to 741741. You’ll get a couple of automated messages first, but then a real human (a Crisis Counselor) will be there to talk to you, listen, and provide support.

From the Heart of the Center: Feeling Hopeless? Let’s Talk About It

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:59:00 GMT

The dictionary defines “hopeless” as “having no expectation of good or success,” but if you’re feeling hopeless, it can be hard to define and even harder to overcome. You should know that your feelings are valid. Life throws us many challenges, and it’s normal to feel down sometimes. We’ve been there, too, which is why we wrote this article.

Reasons Why You Might Feel Hopeless—and How to Cope

Abuse

There are many kinds of abuse, including physical, psychological, and emotional. If you or someone you know is being abused, you know just how debilitating it can be. Those experiencing abuse may have feelings of shame, guilt, powerlessness, and yes, hopelessness.

Ways to Cope

Addiction

More than 20 million people in the United States have a substance use disorder. But there are other kinds of addiction, like gambling. Being dependent on addictive substances and activities can make you feel out of control and hopeless.

Ways to Cope

Anxiety

Whether you’re experiencing short-term anxiety over a certain situation or coping with regular anxious feelings as part of an anxiety disorder, you might have overwhelming feelings of impending panic, danger, or doom.

Ways to Cope

Bonus: A Quick Mindfulness Exercise for When You’re Feeling Anxious

The next time feelings of anxiety or hopelessness are weighing you down, find a quiet space and follow this exercise. Look around and notice:

Breakups

Breaking up with a partner is hard. It is the end of your romantic future with them, and you might feel like you’ll be alone forever. But you won’t be. And there are tons of ways to overcome tough feelings after a breakup.

Ways to Cope

Bullying

Being bullied sucks—the person who wrote this article knows firsthand. It’s unfortunately very common, with one in five students reporting they’ve been bullied at some point. Bullying doesn’t just happen in person anymore, either. Lots of kids and teens experience bullying online.

Ways to Cope

You can also contact the website or social media platform where the bullying is happening. Most social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat allow you to report bullying.

Grief

Grief usually means something was lost, like someone or something you love. That sadness, fear, and anger can make it hard to see a positive future for yourself.

Ways to Cope

Illness and pain

Illness and pain are terrible things to deal with in the present, but they can also make you feel worried and hopeless about the future. You might wonder if this will be the new normal.

Ways to Cope

Loneliness

Humans are social beings, and feelings of loneliness and isolation can take a toll on your self-esteem and make you feel like the future will be more of the same.

Ways to Cope

Money

Whether you are dealing with unemployment or otherwise having trouble paying the bills, financial challenges can be a major source of stress and hopelessness.

Ways to Cope

Stress

Stress feels different for everyone, but often, it can feel like everything is out of your control. For instance, it can feel like you have too many things on your list and not enough time to get them done. You could also feel stressed from any of the situations we’ve already talked about in this article.

Ways to Cope

Reach Out for Help—We’re Here for You

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: you are not alone.

If you need help overcoming thoughts of hopelessness or just need a little support, text HOPELINE™ to 741741. The first two texts you’ll receive in reply will be automated, but then you will be connected with a Crisis Counselor who will ask questions and, of course, listen.

The Mental Health Benefits of Sunlight

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:57:00 GMT

We know the hazards of spending too much time in the sun—like skin cancer, sunburns, and premature aging—there are also many benefits of sun exposure. From bone and immune health to depression and schizophrenia. The sun offers powerful restorative, protective, and healing effects. Those warm, yellow rays help the body make vitamin D, an essential nutrient the body needs to function properly, and the body can't absorb or process calcium without it. Vitamin D is essential for bone, heart, lung, dental, immune, nerve, and muscular health, as well as for optimal mental health. Deficiencies in vitamin D (and calcium) can cause serious conditions. Also, those with lower levels of vitamin D may be at higher risk of a range of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, schizophrenia, and depression. Strong connections have been found between deficiencies in vitamin D and the risk of various mental health disorders including, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. If you are heading out into the sun, make sure you protect yourself with sunscreen as many medications may cause you photosensitivity. Wear protective clothing also like a hat if you have it available.

I WILL Find What it Means to be Happy

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 15:56:00 GMT

We ask ourselves questions with no answer in sight But if you just keep going forward then you might Find the solution to the problem at hand Find a person to understand The pain you may feel as you are not alone Sometimes we wish we could pick up the phone Call a person who support we could apply In our lives so we no longer cry The answer to the problem could be closer than you know There is often peer support anywhere you go They may not have a degree or a name tag on their shirt But it does not take education to know what it means to hurt So keep your eyes wide open and change will arrive It will help you remember why it is good to be alive! Written by: Jonathan Winfield Dedicated to: People in a pain. Despite the upbeat message I might express in this I feel quite down in my life probably more times than I feel up. Even with that said I know it is not a lifelong feeling and I WILL find what it means to be happy and in content with ones self. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, however it will always be worth living just to see that day! To all those depressed like myself, STAY STRONG!

In Life There's So Much We Can Do

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 15:54:00 GMT

To help one another not feel blue Some people just need to chat Others are not okay with that Although it's the last thing you should do Some remain quiet and always feel blue Because in their mind they just cannot believe They can find help so instead they grieve They just go on day after day Suffering in every possible way What they don't realize we all need aid And the stand in the background with progress delayed They just have lived in constant fear That nobody else could possibly care They are lost in this cycle of constant doubt And they lose sight of what life is really about So help one another feel they are needed When they feel better you know you've succeeded To make it so that a person can feel That it's actually possible for them to heal They can heal and clear their mind To leave all grief and pain behind Written by: Jonathan Winfield

Sleep Hygiene

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 15:52:00 GMT

Better Sleep Can Help! Why is it important to practice good sleep hygiene? Sleep hygiene is important for everyone, from childhood through adulthood. A good sleep hygiene routine promotes healthy sleep and daytime alertness. Good sleep hygiene practices can prevent the development of sleep problems and disorders. Personal Sleep Hygiene: Avoid stimulants, especially caffeine, at least 6 hours before sleep Do not exercise 3 hours before sleep Avoid eating large meal before sleep Set a regular routine before going to bed. Avoid sleeping during daytime. Take analgesics (Tylenol) if pain is a problem. Do not watch TV late into the night. Arguments/Fights before sleep will interfere with your sleep. Use sleeping medications as prescribed. *These are personal habit to improve your chances of better sleep and may need to be combined with other measures*

Exercise for Stress Relief

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 15:49:00 GMT

Push-ups:

Squats:

Burpees:

Sit-ups:

Deck of Exercise:

Getting Married During a Pandemic

Mon, 16 May 2022 15:44:00 GMT

Getting Married during a pandemic. Some may know this feeling, others may about to be experiencing it. All the questions, the what-ifs, and the unknowns of where the pandemic may be by the time of your big day can put a lot of stress on an individual. Well, my husband and I were those individuals, and we had no idea what our wedding day was going to look like with the pandemic lingering around us all. My now husband proposed to me five months after the pandemic started and for him, he was not letting anything get in the way of asking me to marry him. It was then after he proposed to me that all the questions came about. We had no idea where the pandemic would be on our wedding day, but we planned it to be eleven and a half months after he proposed just as I always wanted it, which was just under a year to plan for our wedding day. Picking the day was the easy part, finding a venue that would accommodate to your requests with the mask mandate was the harder part. We were thankful to find a venue that wanted to make sure our family could celebrate at our own comfortability and not force any rules on us that could get in the way of our big day. Of course, wearing masks was another unknown but we are also very grateful the mask mandate was lifted, and the vaccines came out months before our wedding day, so it became one less thing to have to worry about. During the peak of the pandemic, we bought a bunch of hand sanitizer and little signs that say, “spread love not germs” to put next to each hand sanitizer bottle to make it look a little more “cute.” We ended up still using them even though the pandemic wasn’t as bad, just because it unfortunately isn’t gone and is still out there. Like the saying goes, “It’s better to be safe rather than sorry.” My mom has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and she has been very worried throughout this whole pandemic and she was worried to where it would be on our wedding day as well. With having a chronic illness, she has been taking extra precautions and I gave her the option to wear a mask if she would like to. I also wanted to make sure I had enough hand sanitizer for everyone so they could continue to kill the germs off their hands throughout the night. I was of course worried about my mom’s safety as well but at the end of the day you just have to trust everything will be okay and she will make sure to keep her distance from the guests and make sure she’s comfortable. Of course, during a pandemic there will have to be accommodations made but don’t panic, it WILL be okay! Your guests will completely understand and as the bride or groom they will be respectful of your requests. At the end of the day, if you’re the one getting married you should choose how you want the day to look and go, after all, it is your wedding! After everything I chose to share, know YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I was a bride in the same position as you are now, there are many brides in the same position as you. It’s so important to try to make the most out of any situation you’re in and to do it how you feel is most important and necessary for you and your family. My advice to you, take a deep breath and just remember everything will be okay. Go on date nights and take a break from the wedding planning so you and your fiancé don’t become too stressed. Don’t put all of your time into wedding planning and still remember to have a life outside of it, everything will come together as it should. In the end it will all work itself out and your wedding day will be what you make it out to be. Take a deep breath and enjoy this time in your life!

Self-Care for Uncertain Times and Uncertain Parents

Mon, 16 May 2022 15:39:00 GMT

Self-Care for your Mind.

Self-Care for your Soul

Self-Care for the Body

The Quick How to of Stress Relief

Mon, 16 May 2022 15:37:00 GMT

How to Relax in 10 Seconds

Stretching to Relieve Stress

Take a Deep Breath

The How-to of Contemplative Hiking

Mon, 16 May 2022 14:38:00 GMT

The Four Agreements

Mon, 16 May 2022 14:32:00 GMT

Meditative Art Journaling for Parents

Mon, 16 May 2022 14:31:00 GMT

Suicide Awareness Month

Mon, 16 May 2022 14:29:00 GMT

As we enter into Suicide Awareness Month it is more critical now than ever to take care of each other. This year has brought uncertainty to everyone’s lives. The impact the global pandemic has had is very much individualized. Our vulnerable populations have found themselves staying in their houses secluded from loved ones, parents are now working from home and homeschooling their children. The financial burden and social isolation is a combination that we have already seen increasing our suicide rates and overdose death rates. As a community it is important to take care of yourself and those around you. There are many ways to show you care and offer support even while social distancing. If you find yourself wondering how you can make a difference, to make an impact, to help those around you during the pandemic, think about just reaching out to others. The Center for Suicide Awareness has been in the front of the coronavirus and helping individuals through the devastation and instilling hope. The Center for Suicide Awareness is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit headquartered in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The Center for Suicide Awareness is dedicated to preventing suicide through proactive education, training, emotional support, collaboration, and intervention. The vision of the Center is compassionate, readily accessible, barrier free and sustained support for any individual or entity in need, while free of any mental health stigma. Their vision is compassion, readily accessible, barrier free, and sustained support for any individual or entity in need while free of any mental health stigma. HOPELINE™, by the Center for Suicide Awareness, is the Emotional Support Text Line in the State of Wisconsin and provides service throughout the entire state. It is a text-in (versus voice call-in) free service for help and hope. HOPELINE™’s purpose is to offer emotional support and resources before situations rise to crisis level. Texts received reflect struggles with breakups, job loss, bullying, LGBTQ issues, parental issues, school, friends, relationship issues or any struggle a person is experiencing, like during these current uncertain times. It is everyone’s responsibility to do what they can do to help us get through this monumental global pandemic. There are times when people just want to heard, to be listened to, to know that how they feel or what they are dealing with matters…without judgment. The truth is: Everyone does deserve to be listened to and to be heard. What someone feels or what they are dealing with does matter…because everyone matters. We all need hope, help, and support at points in our life free of negative stigma or judgment. The Center for Suicide Awareness works with other community partners that care about suicide awareness and to break the stigma of mental health. Everyone has their own ways to cope with stress and anxiety. The Center for Suicide Awareness has taken initiative to help everyone through these difficult times and introduced a Coping Skills Series. Things are tough right now, and we are all in this together. You are not alone and we will all get through this pandemic together. We strive to help those who are suffering and need that emotional boost! You are never alone!!! Please reach out to us if you and/or your organization would like training in knowing the signs of suicide prevention, as well as mental health resilience training. For more information on the Center for Suicide Awareness go to https://centerforsuicideawareness.org/. Text HOPELINE to 741741 — from anywhere, anytime, about any type of challenge or struggle. Help and hope is just a text away. A live, trained specialist receives the text and responds quickly. Each person that text in is important to us and we care about what they are dealing with.

Self-Care Strategies That Can Facilitate the Grieving Process

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 14:20:00 GMT

Center for Suicide Awareness

Meet Your Health Needs

Use Essential Oils

Take Time to Meditate

online guided meditation

anxiety clutter causes

Madison Capitol Event Raises Awareness of Suicide Crisis Amid Pandemic Surge

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 16:00:00 GMT

In this annual event at the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, hundreds of pairs of shoes symbolize individuals who died by suicide in the past year. Alarming statistics reveal a 51% increase in suspected suicide attempts among girls aged 12 to 17 during the pandemic. Barb Bigalke, executive director of the Center for Suicide Awareness, advocates for reaching out and offering support, while also providing a text-based resource for immediate help. Read the entire article at https://www.channel3000.com/news/local-news/hundreds-of-empty-shoes-outside-capitol-symbolize-people-lost-to-suicide/article_203db6ef-4eee-5a0c-94d9-bd4a75bd9a2e.html.

Taylor Congratulates Wisconsin Hero Barb Bigalke For Her Suicide Awareness Work

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 17:06:00 GMT

Today, Barb Bigalke, executive director of the Center for Suicide Awareness, received the Wisconsin Heroes Award for her work in suicide awareness and prevention. The Center provides services and training across the state, including through HOPELINE – Wisconsin’s only no-cost, 24/7 text-based service providing immediate support to those in need. “I want to say thank you to Barb and everyone at the Center for Suicide Awareness,” said Senator Lena Taylor (D – Milwaukee). “I look forward to continuing to work with the Center so we can continue and expand the important work they are doing on the ground.” During the 2017 – 2019 biannual budget, Senator Lena Taylor and other Democratic members of the Joint Committee on Finance offered an omnibus motion that included $220,000 in HOPELINE funding for the biennium. Unfortunately, that motion was rejected. “I told my colleagues then what I said to the First Lady now: we need to support the people who are doing the work on the ground. We cannot afford to stand by while Wisconsin’s suicide rate continues to rise and our residents remain at risk.” Wisconsin’s suicide rate, and number of deaths resulting from suicide, have increased between 2005 and 2015, and according to the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, Wisconsin’s teen suicide rate has been higher than the national rate for all but one year between 1999 and 2015. That rate has doubled between 2007 and 2015. “The time to act is now. In the coming weeks, Rep. Mike Rohrkaste (R – Neenah) and I will introduce a bill to help HOPELINE. I invite all my colleagues to join us in this effort.” Taken from the Urban Milwaukee Article at https://urbanmilwaukee.com/pressrelease/taylor-congratulates-wisconsin-hero-barb-bigalke-for-her-suicide-awareness-work/