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You’re Never a Bother: Ventura County Marks National ‘988 Day’ with Action

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September 8, 2025
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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.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Dr. Lydia Collins
Public InformationOfficer, Ventura County Health Care Agency
(805) 677-5110
HCAPIO@ventura.org

 

September 8, 2025

You’re Never a Bother: Ventura County MarksNational ‘988 Day’ with Action

Oxnard, Calif. – Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA), will join communities nationwide in recognizing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) second annual “988 Day” on Monday, September 8, 2025. This year’s theme is Compassionate Help. Anytime.

988 Day raises awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, emphasizing that suicide is preventable and that compassionate support is available anytime, anywhere. The Lifeline provides free, 24/7 access to skilled, caring, and trained counselors by text, chat, or phone call.

In Ventura County, participation in 988 Day aligns with broader September Suicide Prevention Month initiatives:

  • On Saturday, September 20, 2025, VCBH team members will walk alongside community partners in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk. Event information and registration: https://afsp.org/vc.
  • On Tuesday,September 30, 2025, VCBH will host the 10th Annual Suicide Prevention Symposium: Never a Bother—Because Together We Can Make a Difference. Registration and details are available on Eventbrite. Event information and registration: https://HopeVC25.eventbrite.com

VCBH remains committed to providing resources for suicide prevention and support for those affected by suicide loss. Community members can:

Learn more at: www.WellnessEveryDay.org

Stay connected: Email us at MHSA@ventura.org

24/7 Local and National CrisisSupport

  • ‍988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, confidential support for mental health, substance use, disaster distress, and more. Call, text, or chat: 988‍
  • VCBH Access/Crisis Line – Including mobile crisis team response: 1-866-998-2243

Emergency Response with Compassion

For imminent emergencies, dial 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer. CIT officers receive specialized training to safely respond to mental health crises, reduce use-of-force incidents, and compassionately connect individuals to services while avoiding unnecessary incarceration.

VCBH also provides outpatient clinics, a mobile crisis team, and the HCA’s Hillmont Psychiatric Center—an accredited inpatient unit offering evaluation, stabilization, and treatment for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises. Hillmont ensures continuity of care through collaboration with outpatient providers.

Together We Can Make a Difference

VENTURA COUNTY SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNCIL

Vision: Ventura County Suicide Prevention Council is comprised of countywide stakeholders who are dedicated to reducing suicides by offering help and hope to people of every culture, gender and socioeconomic group throughout their lifespans.

Mission: Our purpose is to promote help and hope to everyone at risk or affected by suicide. We engage in collaborative dialogue to raise public awareness, identify resources and provide education, and we strive to support innovative suicide prevention and intervention initiatives.

Contact MHSA@ventura.org for more information.

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

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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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