Santa Barbara, California Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Santa Barbara, California

The thriving west coast city of Santa Barbara is home to over 90,000 residents, multiple universities, and a healthy economy. A poverty rate of approximately 13.9 percent makes it equal to the national average. Santa Barbara has a growing and diverse economy and a median age of about 38. This idyllic Californian mid-sized city is also home to many individuals who are struggling with mental illness. Whether you’re suffering from a mental illness or have a friend or family member who is, discover how you can find help with this overview of mental health in Santa Barbara.

Mental Health Concerns in Santa Barbara, California

A major mental health concern in Santa Barbara County is depression. The overall percentage of individuals who are dealing with a depressive disorder is 18.3. This is significantly higher than the average of all of California, which is 13.3. Depression rates in the county are higher for females than males and affect individuals with some college education more than residents who didn’t attend college.

There are several other mental health concerns in the county, including:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Phobias

Santa Barbara County also experiences high rates of excessive drinking. Often linked to depression and other mental illnesses, excessive drinking is a strong indicator of mental illness. 19.2 percent of Santa Barbara County adults reported drinking excessively in 2017. Another strong indicator is violent crimes 333 were reported for every 100,000 people throughout the county.

Throughout the county, about 31 percent of homeless individuals are suffering from mental illness, while 51 percent are abusing alcohol. Homelessness may not seem like a problem in the robust economy of Santa Barbara, and the number is decreasing every year. In 2017, however, 790 people reported experiencing homelessness in a survey of the city of Santa Barbara. These individuals often suffer from mental illness, so anyone experiencing homelessness must have access to mental health professionals.

Addiction and self-medication are strongly linked with mental illness. Santa Barbara County has a high rate of opioid addiction and overdose. In 2015, 75 people died from drug and alcohol abuse in the county. Whether it’s self-medicating with alcohol or abusing pain medication, these addictions are extremely dangerous. Some individuals abuse drugs to self-medicate, while others begin experiencing depressive episodes and other mental illness challenges after becoming addicted to a substance. If you know anyone who may be addicted to any medication or alcohol, don’t wait to help them get the treatment they need.

Divorce Rates in California

Santa Barbara has one of the lowest divorce rates in the state. At 9.01 percent, this is lower than the rest of the state. California enjoys lower divorce rates than many other states. However, divorce can still happen in California and it can be both a sign and a cause of mental illnesses like depression and panic disorder. Talk to your loved ones or anyone you know who may be affected by divorce. If you are going through a divorce, seek help from a licensed therapist in your area. You don’t have to suffer alone, whether you directly experienced a divorce or have friends or family members who have gone through a divorce.