Adults with Mental Illness

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.

Want information? Looking for support? Explore this website for information about local and national resources. As a starting point, learn about Recovery from Mental Illness and check out Ventura County Local Resources listed on the right.

Questions about medication, where to get help or other related issues? See FAQs, For More Information and How to Talk About Mental Illness.

For ideas for simple things you can do to help yourself be well and stay well, see the Wellness Action Plan.

Have you ever heard someone implying that people with mental illnesses have low IQs? See Myths and Facts for that and other common myths.

If you have suggestions for other topics and resources that would be useful to find here, please let us know – email mhsa@ventura.org.

If you are interested in joining the Suicide Prevention Council, please email MHSA@ventura.org