MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Following new reports on mental health in Wisconsin, families in Milwaukee County are speaking out about what they call a “silent crisis.”
According to the Wisconsin Department of Children's Mental Health Services, one in 10 teens in Wisconsin has attempted suicide, and nearly 40% of youth ages 18 to 25 currently experience a mental illness. That's what it means.
But families of loved ones facing hardship say everyone is affected.
On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board held its latest public hearing for people to share their concerns.
Those families argue that our communities do not have enough resources to support people facing a variety of serious and even dangerous challenges.
Some county mental health leaders say money alone won't solve the problem, and they need more people willing to do this important work.
While that happens, families deal with crises every day.
Mark Behar, a former physician assistant, told the board that “isolation and loneliness” is prevalent.
Jean Wilburn said: “Mental health concerns are extremely important to all of our citizens.”
And Sandy Schultz said, “The level of mental health care in Milwaukee is completely unacceptable.”
On Thursday afternoon, six people shared personal stories about how their families have been affected by mental health.
After the meeting, we connected with one couple who were trying to support their adult children in any way possible.
Rick Schultz said he would take care of his children whenever they needed him, but added, “We love our children, but they're here in a crisis. So it's pretty confusing.” “There is,” he said.
Rick and Sandy Schultz founded their own support group for families like theirs. Sandy told us, “They feel like they're not alone.”
But they wanted the county to provide more resources.
“I think our voices are being heard. I think the people we're talking to are frustrated,” Rick said.
Everyone is affected, but especially young people. Gov. Tony Evers acknowledged this in his State of the State address, saying, “Children continue to report very concerning levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.”
Brian McBride is director of Wraparound Milwaukee, which coordinates mental health services for children and youth in the county. Without early intervention, he told us, “the situation will get worse. The diagnosis will go untreated and the behaviors will start to appear.”
But now there is a significant labor shortage, and families say they are running out of resources for the most serious problems.
Mr McBride acknowledged that the money would help, but added: “What's important is how we spend that money. Whether that's through new services, new supports, or a workforce that can support the jobs we need.” Told.
Meanwhile, families say they feel disconnected.
“We absolutely have hope, but that hope requires change,” Rick Schultz said.
Sandy Schultz said the closure of the county's mental health center in 2022 was a huge blow to families like hers. Since then, she said, nothing has adequately filled that void for her.
Brian McBride said the county is working to strengthen its mental health response system at all levels and he is confident things will get better.
