Mental health matters to every person across every demographic. Even in 2026, it can feel impossible to talk about your mental health with others. You may be afraid to show some perceived notion of weakness, or you may think others just can’t understand.
Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shows that 1 in every 5 people struggles with mental health disorders in some way, and when not treated, suicide is the second leading cause of death in people between the ages of 10 and 24. These figures show just how expansive the country’s mental health crisis is, but it’s not an individual program. The mental health crisis in our country is a community-wide program, one that has a ripple effect that spreads from an individual to families, neighborhoods, and the city as a whole.
What Is the Ripple Effect in Mental Health?
The data shared by NAMI provides clarity on a ripple effect that plays out when people struggle with mental health complications and do not get the care they need. Having a mental illness challenges every person’s life in various ways. It makes it hard to live your life and maintain recovery once you do receive it. That spreads to the community, creating complications for everyone else, even those who do not directly see the impact. Consider some of the ways mental health impacts others.
The Family Unit
Families are the first line of defense when times get hard, but sometimes they can be the source of mental health challenges. When a person within the family struggles with a mental health disorder, it can create tension and complexities in every role within the family unit. NAMI estimates that 8.4 million people in the United States are living with an adult struggling with emotional health issues.
That leads to demands on time and resources. The same study shows that the average caregiver of an adult with mental or emotional health disorders spends an average of 32 hours every week providing care in some form. That’s paid treatment, that’s hands-on support, guidance, and fighting through challenges.
Community Impact from Mental Health Disorders
When mental health disorders lack treatment, the impact is felt even further. For example, many people with serious debilitating conditions find themselves unable to maintain employment, and that means they lose their homes. NAMI reports that 18.1% of people experiencing homelessness in the US suffered from a serious mental health disorder in 2024. These are not individuals who choose this way of life, but who cannot navigate the obstacles in getting help.
There’s also a strain on local resources when mental health treatment isn’t obtained in a treatment center or a therapist’s office. For example, 12.3% of emergency department visits every year by adults are related to mental health, in some way. Additionally, 1.65 million people receive inpatient treatment in hospitals for those crisis moments.
What Can You Do About Mental Health in Reality?
It can seem like this is a big problem, one that impacts everyone else and not you. Or, it could be very close to your heart and family. Knowing what to do when mental health challenges are evident isn’t always simple. Here are several steps to take now if you are facing mental health complications or if a close family member needs help.
Get Help Now When You Need It
The first step is to realize that real, authentic, effective mental health treatment is available and does work. At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we offer an open-door policy. If you are in a crisis situation right now, do not even call. Just walk in now. At any time, we are here to provide you with an in-person professional assessment. We take your mental health care needs as urgent and offer the support you need immediately.
Our mental health treatment center in Green Bay is available to help you now.
What If It’s Not an Emergency?
Sometimes you may not be sure you need help. If you have any of the following signs, even if you are not in a crisis situation, mental health treatment can be beneficial to you:
- You feel intense anxiety that is debilitating. It’s getting more challenging to get through the day or complete your responsibilities.
- You’re turning to alcohol or drugs to help you reduce racing thoughts or overwhelming fears.
- Dramatic changes in your mood, sleep, or physical appearance are occurring, even as you try to make changes.
- You have low energy and simply feel unsure of the future.
- You have thought about self-harm or suicide, even if you don’t think you would act on it.
When you’re unsure of what your options are or where to get guidance, reach out to Willow Creek. We are here to talk, support, and listen. Learn more about our assessments and admissions.
