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Family Communication- Talk to Your Kids

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.

  • Listen to your child when they talk.

  • Set time aside some time to chat when your child may have your undivided attention. Turn off the television, turn off your cell phone, turn off the computer.

  • Be available for your child and be sure they know you are listening.

  • Encourage them to talk while playing a game, eating dinner or riding in the car.

  • If your children watch TV, watch with them and discuss what you are watching.

  • Ask your children about tobacco and alcohol.

  • Share your experiences and create a non-judgmental environment.

  • Encourage respect and non-violent behavior at home and at school.

  • Discuss how to handle difficult situations at school.

  • Offer to help them find solutions when they have problems.

  • Tell your child that you will help them whenever they need it.
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211 Ventura County

Free service connecting people to health and human services in the community

‍Countywide – All Ages

Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211

https://211ventura.org/

Clinicas del Camino Real

Healthcare, including mental health services

Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura

(805) 647-6353
https://clinicas.org/

Interface Children & Family Services

Services offered:

  • Family Violence Response Team
  • Safe Haven Emergency Shelter
  • Safe Journey Transitional Shelter
  • Women’s Support Group

Call 1-800-636-6738

https://www.icfs.org/

Kids & Families Together

For children and their families, including kinship and foster caregivers

‍Countywide – Children & Youth

(805) 643-1446
https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/

Logrando Bienestar

Mental health screenings

‍Santa Paula, Oxnard – All Ages

(805) 973-5220

Project Esperanza

Family classes & activities

‍Santa Paula & Fillmore – Youth

(805) 276-7671
http://www.guadalupechurchsp.com

United Parents

Parent mentors, local support groups and referrals, respite and parenting workshops

‍Countywide – Youth

Call (805) 384-1555

https://www.unitedparents.org/

Helping your child succeed at school

Ventura County SELPA - Call (805) 437-1560

https://www.vcselpa.org/
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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