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What You Can Do

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.

‍Concerned about someone?

Talk

  • When you're alone and not rushed
  • Ask if they're thinking about ending their life
  • Listen
  • Be respectful and caring
  • Learn more about what to say: See Know the Signs >

If They Say Yes

  • Help them remove guns, pills or other means
  • Call with them:
  • VCBH Crisis & Referral Line: 1-866-998-2243
  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • Go with them to mental health services or an emergency room
  • Do not leave them alone

Stay Connected

  • Check in regularly.
    Studies show that staying connected with someone who cares makes a difference.
  • Support them in creating a safety plan.
  • Learn more about safety plans: See Suicide Prevention Lifeline >
Is anyone in immediate danger?

Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.

Is anyone in immediate danger?

Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.

Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?

Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Access/Crisis Line
1-866-998-2243 • www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

‍

Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

See 988 FAQs >
See Crisis Line Comparison Chart >
Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?

Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Access/Crisis Line
1-866-998-2243 • www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

‍

Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

Want to connect via WhatsApp?

Crisis Text Line
Connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor
Chat via WhatsApp or text HOME to 741741
crisistextline.org‍

‍Free • 24/7

Want to connect via WhatsApp?

Crisis Text Line
Connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor
Chat via WhatsApp or text HOME to 741741
crisistextline.org‍

‍Free • 24/7

For Veterans

Veterans Crisis Line‍

‍Call 988 and press 1

‍‍veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7

‍

‍More resources for Military and Veterans >

For Veterans

Veterans Crisis Line‍

‍Call 988 and press 1

‍‍veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7

‍

‍More resources for Military and Veterans >

For Teens & Young Adults

Teen Line

‍Teen-to-teen education and support

Text TEEN to 839863 between 6:00pm–9:00pm PST

Or call 800‑TLC‑TEEN from 6pm to 10pm PST

‍teenline.org

‍

‍More resources for Teens & Young Adults >

For Teens & Young Adults

Teen Line

‍Teen-to-teen education and support

Text TEEN to 839863 between 6:00pm–9:00pm PST

Or call 800‑TLC‑TEEN from 6pm to 10pm PST

‍teenline.org

‍

‍More resources for Teens & Young Adults >

For LGBTQ+ Young People

The Trevor Project Lifeline
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
Call 1-866-488-7386
text START to 678-678
or web chat: thetrevorproject.org
Free • 24/7 • Confidential

More resources for LGBTQ+ Teens >

For LGBTQ+ Young People

The Trevor Project Lifeline
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
Call 1-866-488-7386
text START to 678-678
or web chat: thetrevorproject.org
Free • 24/7 • Confidential

More resources for LGBTQ+ Teens >

En Español

More Support & Resources

For Everyone
For Teens
For Older Adults
For LGBTQ+
For First Responders

Types of Anxiety Disorders
Mental Health Myths & Facts
Alcohol & Drugs
Related Pages
Video Library

Introduction to 988

Full video library
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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