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.
What is a Role Model?
A role model is someone a child aspires to be and therefore imitates. A parent can be a child’s role model by taking care of their own well-being.
Children need adults to look up to and parents that teach them healthy habits. If you create an atmosphere of healthy living in your family’s home, your children will be happier and healthier.
BEING A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Quit smoking and moderate your use of alcohol.
Hand washing: Be sure to wash your hands often, especially after you sneeze or cough and always before you cook or eat.
Demonstrate household safety:
- Handling electric cords
- Wearing protective gloves and goggles, face masks, and ear plugs when necessary
- Handling sharp objects
Obey traffic laws:
- Drive safely.
- Teach your children how to be safe as a pedestrian.
Plan for emergencies:
- Practice family fire drills.
- Discuss family contact information in case of emergency.
- Know emergency phone numbers such as 911 and poison control.
- Talk about earthquake safety and family plans for handling other natural disasters.
Use negotiation and problem-solving skills at home and at work:
- Encourage respect and openness among siblings and adults in your home.
- Teach your children to express themselves clearly.
- It is important for children to learn how to ask for what they want and need.
Related Pages
Related Resources
211 Ventura County
Free service connecting people to health and human services in the community
Countywide – All Ages
Clinicas del Camino Real
Healthcare, including mental health services
Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura
Interface
Support and resources, including youth shelter and housing referrals
Countywide – Ages 12-21
Kids & Families Together
For children and their families, including kinship and foster caregivers
Countywide – Children & Youth
Logrando Bienestar
Mental health screenings
Santa Paula, Oxnard – All Ages
(805) 973-5220
Project Esperanza
Family classes & activities
Santa Paula & Fillmore – Youth
United Parents
Parent mentors, local support groups and referrals, respite and parenting workshops
Countywide – Youth
Helping your child succeed at school
Promoting Mental Health
in Ventura County
Preventing Suicide
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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