Editor's note: This story contains descriptions of child self-harm and attempted suicide.
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Tristan Lorenz poses for a portrait in his family home's backyard on May 14, 2025 in Cochrane, Wis.
Saskia Hatvany,La Crosse Tribune
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Christine Lorenz poses for a portrait in her home on May 14, 2025 in Cochrane, Wis. The mother of five said finding mental health resources in a rural community has been a challenge, but found a network of support in her son's local school.
Saskia Hatvany, La Crosse Tribune
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Samantha Phillips, mental health coordinator for the Auburndale School District, answers emails during a few spare minutes before counseling a student. Her office is decorated with characters from the Pixar movie, Inside Out, which she uses to help children understand their emotions. She's popular with students, who call her "the feelings teacher." But her job could be eliminated due to cuts in mental health funding in Wisconsin.
EMILY HAMER, LEE ENTERPRISES
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Auburndale School District’s mental health coordinator, Samantha Phillips, does everything from supervising recess and teaching coping skills to running truancy enforcement. Here she checks in on a student while walking with him through the halls of Auburndale Elementary.
EMILY HAMER, LEE ENTERPRISES
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Andrea Rittgers, executive director of student services, left, and Megan Palmer, middle school social worker, talk about mental health challenges for students in the Racine Unified School District. Racine has a school-based therapy program that serves more than 350 students each year.
SEAN KRAJACIC, KENOSHA NEWS
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Tristan Lorenz cuddles with his new puppy alongside his dad on May 14, 2025.
Saskia Hatvany, La Crosse Tribune
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Tristan Lorenz puts freshly-picked lilac flowers in his mom's hair on May 14, 2025. The mother and son share a close bond and open communication about mental health.
Saskia Hatvany, La Crosse Tribune
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Tristan Lorenz, 14, consoles his sister Avery on May 14, 2025 in Cochrane, Wis. The 14-year old's past suicide attempts still have an emotional effect on his younger siblings.
Saskia Hatvany, La Crosse Tribune
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Tristan Lorenz, 14, and Salem Marie Lorenz, 9, play on the swing set in the backyard on May 14, 2025.
Saskia Hatvany, La Crosse Tribune
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