Yuba City, California Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Yuba City, California

Sutter County is a Northern California county home to Yuba City. Situated strategically north of Sacramento, Yuba City is close to the major areas of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley. Whether you’re one of the 66,000 who call Yuba City their home, or you’re visiting this sunny city, it’s important to understand the mental health of the area. Learn about the factors leading to mental illness in the area, as well as ways you or a loved one can find hope when struggling with mental health issues.

Risk Factors for Mental Illness

There are many signs and symptoms of mental illness. In order to understand some of the causes or factors that contribute to mental illness in a particular community, you need to identify the common risks. Here are some common risk factors that increase the risk of dealing with a mental illness:

• Chronic medical condition
• Excessive alcohol or drug use
• Stressful situations, like divorce
• Family history of mental illness
• Traumatic brain injury

These are just a few of the common factors that can lead to mental illness. If your or a person you know is experiencing one or more of these risks, consider how a mental health expert could help you get back on track.

Of course, none of these factors automatically lead to mental illness. Everyone experiences trauma and grief in different ways, so be cautious assuming you or a person you know is going through a mental health crisis simply because of one of these signs.

Mental Health in California

Throughout California, these risk factors are prevalent. Common issues that many Californians struggle with include homelessness, poverty, alcohol abuse and divorce.

Between 2016 and 2017, the homeless population in California increased by 13.7 percent. Finding affordable housing in many areas of California can be extremely difficult. Low income, combined with a lack of affordable housing, can cause many individuals to experience homelessness.

Divorce is higher in the United States than many other developing countries, and it is particularly high in California. California’s divorce rate is up to 10 percent higher than the national average. Divorce can cause a tremendous amount of stress and pain for both parties and their families. Whether you or your partner filed for divorce, the experience is usually very difficult for both parties. Finding a highly trained marriage therapist or personal counselor can be very important to helping you navigate your divorce.

Despite the seriousness of mental illness in California, many individuals struggle to find access to professional care. For individuals experiencing severe mental illness, the number of psychiatric beds has been decreasing over the past two decades, with an almost 30 percent decrease between 1995 and 2014. This means that, while many risk factors continue to increase, the amount of personal and professional care available to residents of Yuba City has diminished, making it more difficult to search for a qualified professional.

Mental Illness in Yuba City

Each risk factor throughout California is also present in Yuba City. This city struggles with unemployment and poverty. The median income is lower than the national average, which results in an 18 percent poverty level. The rate of homeownership is only 52 percent.

Thankfully, the rates of excessive drinking, smoking, diabetes and other health-related risk factors are below the national average in California and Sutter County. Each of these can dramatically increase the likelihood of a person experiencing mental distress, and they can also be signs that a person has already experienced a mental health issue.

Many residents of Yuba City continue to struggle with mental illness without help. Don’t continue to suffer alone, but look for assistance with any emotional issues you may be facing. Some common thoughts or feelings that a mental health professional can help guide you through include:

• Withdrawal from social situations
• Change in sleeping or eating patterns
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Lack of initiative and desire
• Strong negative thoughts or feelings

Talk to a Mental Health Professional Today

Yuba City hosts many historical sites and outdoor opportunities for visitors and residents alike. The warm, Mediterranean climate can mask the pain and mental health struggles that some residents face. If you feel you have experienced or are experiencing a mental illness, don’t wait to contact a professional. Search the E-Counseling directory to find a licensed, highly qualified therapist near you.