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18 Out of 100 People

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders such as PTSD, panic attacks, phobias, and general anxiety disorder affect 18% of people in the U.S. each year, making them the most common mental health problems.

Anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder when overwhelming fear and worry prevent you from being able to live a normal life. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone and may begin at any age.

People with anxiety disorders are unable to control their own disturbing thoughts. They may start to avoid everyday situations that they fear will trigger more stress.

Anyone in Ventura County who has a question about mental health should seek help immediately, the same way you would ask for help when we have any other health question. If ignored and untreated, extreme anxiety can prevent you from being able to participate in daily life.

Worrying, Anxiety and When It’s Too Much

Everyone experiences worry in some way during daily life. You may feel understandably anxious as a reaction to ordinary urgent situations, for example, if you are running late for work. However, you may also feel anxious when you are worrying about something that may or may not happen, a threat that only exists in your imagination.

Drug and alcohol abuse keeps people from having the best lives they can. It can hurt people’s mental and physical health, their ability to work, and their relationships.

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UNHEALTHY COPING

“I need a drink!”

“I just want to forget.”

“It’s the only thing that makes me feel good.”

Sometimes people use alcohol and drugs as a way of coping with stress, depression or trauma. But they don’t realize until it’s too late how it’s hurting their health, negatively impacting their lives, or that they’re addicted and can’t stop. If this might be a risk for you, see the Wellness Toolbox for healthy ways to reduce stress and increase coping skills.

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DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Mental illness is often linked with drug or alcohol problems. For example, nearly half of people with bipolar disorder also have issues with alcohol abuse, and each can make the symptoms of the other one worse. If you have both a serious mental illness and substance abuse, it's called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder, and treatment may require a specialist. Also, sometimes it's hard to tell if symptoms are due to drugs, alcohol or mental illness, and professional assessment may be needed.

To access mental health or substance use services, please call the VCBH Access/Crisis Line:1-866-998-2243

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For a crisis, call 911 or the VCBH Crisis Team at (866) 998-2243. Please note that information on WellnessEveryday.org should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult a
healthcare professional before acting on any information found on WellnessEveryday.org.

Ventura County Behavioral Health treatment clinics and programs are licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services. Learn more at www.VCBH.org.
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