Local Officials Concerned with Increase in Suicide Numbers in FDL County

What appears to be a recent increase in suicides in Fond
du Lac County is drawing concern from local officials who are responding to
assist and deal with the aftermath. Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue Division Chief
Troy Haase says he’s not sure what the cause of the increase is, but it’s alarming
to see the numbers. “This year, we’ve already had eight in the county, and they
only had eleven all of last year,” Haase said. “The numbers are up, I know we’ve
had five in the last month or so. I don’t know if it’s a peak that’s going to
level off, hopefully, but we want to level it off to zero – that’s our goal.” Mental
health professionals say it’s hard to pinpoint one specific cause for the increased
suicide numbers – but that people need to focus on their mental health just as
much as they do their physical health.

Haase says its important for people who may be struggling
with their mental health or contemplating suicide to know that there is help
available. “If you need help, go to the hospital, go to the doctor, go see somebody,”
Haase said. “Go talk to somebody to try to solve the issue before you’ve
reached that point.”

Click here for a list of resources available in Fond du Lac County.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is
1-800-273-8255, or

visit this website for more resources.