BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The CDC says in January of 2026 alone, out of every 100,000 emergency room visits, just over 5,000 visits were related to mental health.
Mental health-related emergency room visits are becoming more common, not just nationwide, but at Sanford Health in Bismarck, as well.
“Typically, we have about one to two a day that we see in the emergency room,” said Fae Glass, an advanced practice provider.
The demographic spans across the board, from children to the elderly. Glass said they see a spike during certain seasons, varying in situation and symptoms.
“It depends on what you’re looking at, so like we have in the wintertime, we have more depression because there’s not as much sunlight, there’s not as much things going on, people are more closed in,” said Glass.
When it gets warmer, ER staff see people who come in with more impulsive or reckless behaviors.
“In the summertime, it’s more organic, what we would call like bipolar, more elevated behaviors,” said Glass. “Substance use is pretty stable across the entire year.”
The triggers that lead to a mental health crisis requiring treatment at the emergency room vary by person. Oftentimes, it’s situations with relationships or life that lead a person to experience symptoms.
Whether it’s the seasonal depression or a personal crisis, Sanford Health remains ready to help those experiencing mental health emergencies in our community.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 and a professional will assist you in finding the services you need.
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