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Child and Teen Mental Health

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.

‍Children's and teens' mental health is as important to their well-being as their physical health.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General in any given year about 20% of children in the country have a diagnosable mental illness and more than 7.5 million American children and adolescents suffer from a serious mental illness that significantly interferes with their day-to-day life.

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If you're concerned about your child's mental health, start with the Mental Wellness Checklist to learn more about what is typical behavior and for some simple things to try that might help.

If your child has symptoms of mental illness it is important to seek treatment. Mental illness in children and adolescents is treatable. Early identification and intervention is important to ensure the best outcome for your child. With the appropriate treatment many children can make a full recovery or their illness and symptoms can be controlled so they live fully functioning lives. For potential warning signs that your child may need help, click here.

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Related Pages
Childhood & Adolescent Disorders
Teens & Depression
Bullying
Mental Wellness Checklist for Children
Youth & Suicide
Parenting
Related Resources
More Resources
Promoting Mental Health
in Ventura County

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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