Wisconsin
Young Wisconsinites are self-harming at alarming rates at the start and return of school after breaks
Young people in Wisconsin have been self-harming at escalating rates since the start of the 2022-23 school year, according to data from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program.
That aligns with the general rise in mental health needs among young people, who increasingly feel sad and helpless, are considering and even attempting suicide, and being diagnosed with mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, or behavioral problems.
Medical experts from the Department of Health Services have identified spikes in self-harm in September and January, typically the start and return of school. September 2022 and January 2023 saw a 40% increase in youth self-harm compared to each of their preceding months, August and December respectively, according to DHS. And although fewer students self-harmed in September 2023, that month still represented a 14% jump from August 2023, which signals a serious concern.
Syndromic data, part of DHS’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention program that began in 2022, focuses on recognizing spikes as part of the DHS early warning system. In adolescents aged 10 to 19, it calculated self-harm trends based on these transitional months back to school.
Also called self-directed violence or self-injury, self-harm is defined as “anything a person does intentionally that can cause injury to self, including death,” according to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can include cutting, burning, poisoning, head-banging, self-biting and self-scratching.
Children and youth with developmental disabilities, such as autism and intellectual disability, are more likely to engage in self-harm than youth without disabilities, according to the CDC. Additionally, young people with depression, anxiety and conduct disorder have a higher rate of self-injury, including suicide, than children without these conditions.
Paula Tran, the state health officer and administrator of the DHS Division of Public Health, said in a press release that young people and families experience additional jolts of stress at the start of the fall and spring semesters.
“Parents, guardians, teachers, mentors and others can support the young people in their life by knowing the signs of self-harm, talking openly about the struggles youth are facing, and listening to what young people have to say without judgment,” Tran wrote.
Wisconsin girls are 4 times as likely to be hospitalized for self-harm than Wisconsin boys.
While everyone who attempts suicide self-injures, not everyone who self-injures is suicidal. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing distinguishes self-harm as a coping mechanism rather than an act of escaping pain and mental anguish. Self-harm can put someone at a higher risk of suicide if the signs are ignored or written off.
The surge in cases of girls self-harming is critical. According to the Wisconsin Self-Injury Data Dashboard:
- Girls and women had nearly twice the hospital visits for self-harm than boys and men in 2022, at 2,023 and 1,057, respectively.
- Nearly 600 girls 17 and younger in Wisconsin self-harmed in 2022, compared with nearly 150 boys, a 75% difference.
- Girls experienced a 50% jump in self-harm hospitalizations between 2020 and 2022, while boys didn’t experience a significant rise in self-harm hospitalization.
Hospitals in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Wisconsin reported the most patients coming in for self-harm in 2022, with 1,064 southeastern hospitalizations and 750 northeastern hospitalizations.
Patients with diagnosed mental health conditions made up 87% of self-harm hospitalizations. Other factors include substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, suicidal ideation and a history of self-harm.
Unsure if your child is self-harming? Here are some signs to look out for.
According to DHS:
- Increased secrecy.
- Emotional withdrawal or changes in mood and behavior.
- Less time with peers or family members.
- Unexplained cuts, burns or bruises, which typically occur on the arms, legs, and stomach.
- Discovering razors, sharps, knives or other items that may be used to self-injure.
- Keeping arms and legs covered even when it is inconvenient to do so.
DHS recommends the following actions for parents or guardians and others looking to help a young person who is self-harming:
- Do not ignore the problem or treat it like a passing fad.
- Listen to them without judgment. Do not try to problem-solve or put things in a more positive light for them, but instead focus on confirming what you’re hearing them tell you.
- Recognize when the help of a professional is needed. You can find information on the signs of a mental health crisis, including situations that require an immediate call for professional help on the Crisis Services: Identifying a Crisis page.
Linda Hall, director of the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, a state agency within DHS, also suggests having regular check-ins with your child where you listen without judgment. From there, Hall said, you can discuss healthy coping skills to help manage academic and social stress. That can look like encouraging healthy habits, physical activity, getting adequate sleep and eating nutritious food, “all of which help to build resilience.”
“95% of kids trust their parents to provide them with the right information and when it comes to mental health, they are ready to talk,” Hall said.
More information about self-harm and strategies to build resilience can be found at dhs.wisconsin.gov/injury-prevention/self-harm.htm. The Office of Children’s Mental Health held a video briefing Jan. 12 regarding its annual report, which details areas of concern and offers actions to improve young people’s well-being.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis. People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can call, text, or chat 24/7 to be connected with a trained counselor.
“People who self-harm can and do recover,” said Tran, the state health officer. “Parents, guardians, and others are crucial support systems for young people. Talking openly with and truly listening to a young person who is self-harming and working with them to get them connected to the resources that meet their needs are important ways to support their mental health and well-being.”
Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her Twitter profile at @natalie_eilbert. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “Hopeline” to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
The search for a pet kangaroo that escaped from its home outside of Necedah has captured media attention across the country.
Chesney is a 16-month-old kangaroo owned by Debbie Marlund, who operates Sunshine Farm Petting Zoo. He and his brother Kenny live in Marlund’s home, along with her five labradors, and often visit the residents of nursing homes and senior centers in the region.
“Chesney actually sleeps in bed with me every night,” Marlund said. “They’re both home bodies. They do get plenty of outside time when it’s nice. They don’t particularly care for cold weather.”
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The kangaroo was in his outdoor enclosure Wednesday morning when he was spooked by an unfamiliar dog and escaped. He’s been spotted multiple times in the area around his home but has so far evaded several attempts to catch him.
News of the search has been picked up by several TV news stations, including as far away as Seattle, and even made a British-based publication.
Marlund said she has not stopped searching for Chesney since Wednesday morning.
“I have been asking neighbors to let me go on their property and walk trails, walk paths, and get close to the vicinity,” said Marlund, adding that friends have been driving local roads to make sure he isn’t spotted leaving the area.
Colton Johnson of Midwest Aerial Drone Services has also aided in the search using a drone and thermal camera.
He often uses the equipment to search for lost pets but said tracking a kangaroo is more difficult because of its speed.
“It’s hard to keep up with him,” Johnson said. “He slipped us last night, but we’re going to head back out there tonight and see if we can get eyes on him.”
Johnson said there have been plenty of people in the area showing up to try to get a look at Chesney. But he urged residents to avoid going after the kangaroo because it could drive the scared animal further into the wooded area.
Marlund asked locals to keep an eye out for Chesney and report any sightings.
“He’s not going to come to a stranger, he’s too spooked,” she said. “But I think it is beneficial for people who are staying in the area or driving by to keep their eye out.”
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2026, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
If you’re looking to make reservations for an Easter meal, check out these Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Calendars are quickly filling up with Easter services, egg hunts, photos with bunnies and brunch plans.
If cooking isn’t your thing, or you’ve been too busy to plan and cook this year, you have options in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Several local restaurants and businesses have you covered with all of your favorite Easter treats.
The following Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants and businesses will be offering Easter breakfast, brunch or dinner.
- Branding Iron Supper Club will offer an Easter Dinner from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 5 at 9721 State 13 S. in Saratoga. The Easter menu includes a ham dinner, a prime rib dinner, Branding Iron’s full menu, salad bar and a fresh fruit mimosa bar. The Easter Bunny will also visit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are available at 715-325-8102.
- Lake Arrowhead Association will host an Easter Brunch Buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 5 at Lake Arrowhead, 1195 Apache Lane in Rome. The menu will include a variety of options including a carving station for prime rib and smoked ham, mahi mahi with a Korean glaze, sliced pork loin, chicken Alfredo, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, french fries, baby red potatoes, carrots, a build-your-own omelet station, biscuits and gravy, french toast sticks, pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, vegetables and more. Reservations are required, including a $25 non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot and can be made at 715-325-2915 or banquets@lakearrowheadgolf.com or events@lakearrowheadgolf.com.
- Nekoosa Court will host an Easter Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 4 at Nekoosa Court, 145 N. Cedar St. in Nekoosa. Breakfast will include all-you-can-eat eggs, sausage, pancakes and beverages with an Easter Egg Hunt to follow.
- Olympic II will host Easter Weekend Specials from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 4 and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at 2520 Eighth St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. The Easter specials include a breakfast special of an 8-ounce New York strip steak and eggs, hashbrowns and toast, as well as a tenderloin and jumbo shrimp dish, a roast turkey and ham combo, chicken breast and four shrimp, ham steak, roast chicken and roast turkey. Reservations and orders for takeout can be placed at 715-424-4744.
- Quality Foods is offering a complete Heat & Serve Easter Dinner, including a ham dinner for eight people with off-the-bone ham, mashed potatoes and beef gravy or eight three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, homemade stuffing, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and eight slices of cheesecake. The store also will offer an Easter prime rib dinner for four, including prime rib, four three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and cheesecake while supplies last at 1021 W. Grand Ave. and 1811 Baker Drive in Wisconsin Rapids. Orders must be placed by April 1 at 715-423-8350 for Baker Drive and at 715-423-9750 for West Grand Avenue. Orders must be picked up by noon April 5.
- Slice of Heaven Bakery will host a free Easter dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at 1158 Snow Pass in Rome. Guests can eat at the event or order for takeout. Reservations are not needed, but those who need a delivery should contact rebeccalacount@gmail.com or call 608-449-0702.
- The Whitney will offer an Easter Breakfast Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Hotel Mead Resorts & Convention Centers, 451 E. Grand Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. Hot dishes include pancakes, pumpkin spice pancakes, french toast casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, quiche, frittatas, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and chicken and wild rice soup. Cold dishes include a yogurt bar, fruit skewers, deviled eggs, muffins, cranberry bread, croissants, biscuits and an English muffin. Desserts include fruit pie, carrot cake, peach cobbler and coffee cake. The buffet is available by reservation only at 715-423-1500.
Want to add your business to the list? Please email cshuda@usatodayco.com with the name of your restaurant, your Easter hours, what your Easter menu will include, and whether reservations are required.
March continues on the ice as Dartmouth Big Green takes on Wisconsin Badgers in a regional semifinal matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.
MORE: How to live stream NCAA men’s hockey tournament 2026: TV channel, schedule
How to Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth
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Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
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Wisconsin enters the tournament as one of the more complete teams in the field, combining strong defensive structure with high-end offensive talent. The Badgers have leaned on forward Cruz Lucius, a dynamic scorer capable of creating chances in transition, along with Kirsten Simms, who has been a consistent offensive presence throughout the season. On the blue line, Wisconsin’s physicality and ability to limit quality scoring chances have made it a difficult matchup.
Dartmouth arrives as a disciplined and well-coached group that thrives on structure and goaltending. The Big Green will look to slow the game down and rely on key contributors like John Fusco and Cade Webber to control play in their own zone while generating offense through efficient puck movement.
This matchup will likely come down to pace and execution. Wisconsin prefers to push tempo and create scoring opportunities off the rush, while Dartmouth will aim to keep things tight, limit mistakes, and capitalize on special teams opportunities.
Fans can watch the NCAA hockey tournament across the ESPN family of networks, with games airing on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, while select matchups stream exclusively on ESPN+.
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