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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.

The 7th Annual Preventing Suicide Forum was held in person on September 21, 2022 at Ventura College and virtually on September 29, 2022. The theme was Connection & Community. The Forum features a variety of personal stories, creative expression, wellness activities, and local resources.

View all conference videos on YouTube >

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SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Normal anxiety can become a problem when symptoms don't go away and start to interfere with the rest of your life. Signs of anxiety include:

  • Extreme worrying
  • Feelings of fear or dread
  • Trembling
  • Restlessness
  • Muscle tension
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Perspiration
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Trouble sleeping

If these symptoms last for an extended period of time, you may have an anxiety disorder. Some of these may also be signs of physical problems, so check with your health care provider about that possibility as well.

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Related Pages
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Mental Health Myths & Facts
Alcohol & Drugs
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Ventura County Crisis & Referral

24/7 • Free • Confidential

Ventura County Crisis & Referral:
‍1-866-998-2243

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‍Substance Use Treatment Services: 1-844-385-9200

https://vchca.org/behavioral-health/

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free • Confidential • 24/7

Call or text 988
TTY: 988

https://988lifeline.org/

Emergency

Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer

safeTALK Suicide Alertness Classes

Free, 3-hour training sessions for schools

‍Click here to learn more.

Know the Signs

Learn the warning signs – Find the words – Reach out

https://www.suicideispreventable.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention resources

1-888-333-AFSP (2377)

https://afsp.org/
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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
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