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It's OK
not to be OK

Normalizing the Conversation.

Prioritizing your mental health is important. Asking for help is a normal part of life, you should never feel you have to take on the world alone. Get informed, know the facts, find your balance.

888-868-1649

Dial 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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OK Campus is a space for youth to open up about their struggles with mental health, substance misuse, anxiety, stress and other issues, and to find healthy ways and resources to cope.  
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Youth Voices

Hear from local youth about their journey to mental well-being.
Elly
Something that really helped my mental health journey was learning the importance of self care. Self care can be the smallest thing but have the biggest role on your mental health. Skin care has helped me immensely, it allows me to feel calm and helps me feel organized and cleansed.
Kiara
Mental health is a big thing. I just want you to know that I will stand by you and help you. It’s okay not to be okay, you are not weird or a waste of space. You are good enough and perfect just the way you are!
Victor
Mental health, it’s a serious thing that needs to be talked about. It’s important to start conversations as a teen because it helps clear your head from all the problem/stress that’s building up or that is starting to build up. It’s okay to share what’s on your mind, it’s completely normal. Just know that you’re always going to be good enough, and “the only person who can set your limits is yourself, and yourself only.
Emily
Many teens struggle with mental health and don’t know who to approach when they need to seek for help. It’s important for teens to know that it’s ok not to be ok. Mental health is our emotional, social well-being. It affects how we act, see the world, see ourselves, and how others see us. For a teen to admit that they may need help takes courage and it’s important to emphasize that.
Katie
Something that has helped me with my mental health is knowing that I shouldn’t be ashamed of what I’m going through knowing that I have friends who won’t judge me and who make the environment a safe one.
Angela
As youth increase and expand their mind, a lot of the time they/we don’t know what kind of feelings are okay. It’s important for adults around us to talk and give awareness on mental health for that reason. Don’t let anyone invalidate your feelings.
Daniel
If you are struggling with mental health or other substance abuse, it’s ok to let someone know so that they can get you help. If you are not comfortable with telling someone, you can use the It’s Ok SB County website for help. It’s ok to not be ok.
WATCH OUR
2023 OK Youth Round Table‍
on Mental Health & SUD
Seven local Santa Barbara County youth gather to discuss the issues of substance misuse in our schools and community as well as how mental health challenges impact youth and ways to cope.
‍
Watch Video
2:49
Words of Wisdom
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"Social Media can impact your mental health. Remember to step back, take a breather. Set  your phone down." -Elly
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"Parents should create an environment that is a safe space for their kids so they can trust them with anything and everything - including mental health." -Kiara
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"It's important to talk about mental health because you never know what someone is going through." -Daniel
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"It's ok to have bad days and we should acknowledge that." -Katy
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"There are people out there that care about you... and will be there for you in your darkest of times." Emily
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It's important to open up about mental health. If you don't open up it will build up in your head." -Victor
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How to Get Help

Looking for help? Get Information about substance misuse and mental health topics for youth to have a better understanding on how it impacts lives, how to see the signs and how to reach out for help at any stage.
888-868-1649

Dial 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Get Help

Start the Conversation

There is no one size fits all to life and no one size fits all for mental health and substance misuse struggles.  Together, we are starting the conversation to stop the social stigma attached to mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Recognize the problem.
  • Understand what triggers that emotion or addiction, and why.
  • Establish a plan of action to counter that trigger.
Learn More
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