Families share personal stories of 'silent crisis' and coping with mental health challenges

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On the heels of a new report on mental health in Wisconsin, Milwaukee County families are speaking up about what they're calling a "silent crisis."

One in 10 Wisconsin teens have attempted suicide, and nearly 40% of young adults aged 18-25 now experience mental illness, according to the state's Office of Children's Mental Health.

But families of loved ones coping with challenges say everyone is affected.

On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board held its latest public hearing to allow people to share concerns.

Those families say there are not enough resources in our community to help people facing a variety of serious, and even dangerous, issues.

Some of the county's mental health leaders say money alone cannot solve this problem, they need to build up a workforce of people willing to do this critical work.

While that happens, families every day are coping with a crisis.

Mark Behar, a retired physician assistant, told the Board there is widespread "Isolation and loneliness."

Jan Wilburn said, "Mental health concerns are so critical to everyone in the population."

And Sandy Schultz told them, "The level of mental health care in Milwaukee is completely unacceptable."

A half-dozen people shared personal stories Thursday afternoon about how their families have been impacted by mental health.

We connected with one couple after the meeting who are trying to support their adult child as best they can.

Rick Schultz told us they house their child whenever they're needed, but "As much as we love him, he's coming here in a crisis. So it's pretty disruptive."

Rick and Sandy Schultz have created their own support group for families like theirs. Sandy told us, "They feel like they're not alone."

But they wish the county offered more resources.

Rick said, "I think we're being heard. I think the people we talk to are frustrated."

Everyone is impacted, but especially young people. Governor Tony Evers acknowledged it in his State of the State address, when he said, "Kids continue to report highly concerning levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts."

Brian McBride is the director of Wraparound Milwaukee, which coordinates mental health services for the county's children and youth. He told us without early intervention, "Things get worse. Diagnoses get untreated. And behaviors start to manifest."

But right now there are significant workforce shortages, and families say the most severe problems are getting the fewest resources.

McBride acknowledged money would help, but "It's how you're able to put that money to use. Whether it's through new services and new supports, or whether it's a workforce to be able to support the work that is needed."

In the meantime, families tell us they feel a disconnect.

Rick Schultz said, "We absolutely have hope, but this hope is going to require change."

Sandy Schultz told us a big blow for families like hers came in 2022 when the county's mental health center was closed down. She said nothing has adequately filled the void since.

Brian McBride said the county is committed at every level to enhancing the mental health response system, and that he, too, is confident things will improve.