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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.

Wellness Every Day Website

WellnessEveryDay.org is a resource for community health and wellness from Ventura County Behavioral Health, a Department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. If you need information or would like to request an interview, please contact us.

Public Information Officer

Ashley Humes | County of Ventura
Public Information Officer – Health Care Agency
Office: (805) 677-5277
‍HCAPIO@ventura.org

See the Conversations About Suicide: Help & Hope 2021 Conference videos >

See the full MHSA video library >

Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide

Experts from across the nation have collaborated to develop resources for the media regarding safe reporting on suicide, as the news media plays a powerful role in suicide prevention.

Best Practices and Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide
Download PDF >
See more resources and access in other languages:
ReportingOnSuicide.org

News App for Suicide Reporting
This free interactive resource provides journalists and content creators an easy tool to review written content for safe messaging.
News App for Suicide Reporting

Messaging Matters
A quick-reference guide with information on safe and effective messaging for suicide prevention.
Download PDF >

CALL-OUT RESOURCES

Most importantly, please always include this information in all coverage related to suicide (“ticker” or “call-out” box):

  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    Call or text 988
    TTY:     988Free • Confidential • 24/7
Warning Signs
What You Can Do?
Young Adults: Text. Talk. Help.
Older Adults & Suicide
Military & Veterans
Support After a Loss
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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.
©2024 Ventura County Behavioral Health | LEGAL