The Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness worked with local youth in Santa Barbara County for its new campaign — It’s OK not to be OK.

The campaign, which kicked off on April 5, focuses on mental health and substance misuse from the perspective of Santa Barbara County youth.

The issue of substance abuse remains prevalent as the effects of the pandemic continue to impact youth mental health.

According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, 37% of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year.

Following the pandemic, more than 5,000 local residents responded to a community survey with conclusions consistent with current national mental health and substance use findings, showing about 61% of survey participants reported worse mental health due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to normalize the conversation about mental health, local youth came together for the campaign to discuss mental health issues in schools and the community.

“The goal for the It’s OK not to be OK campaign is to create a space for youth to open up about their struggles with mental health, substance misuse, anxiety, stress, and to find resources and healthy ways to cope,” said Melissa Wilkins, branch chief of Alcohol and Drug Programs with Behavioral Wellness.

As part of the initiative, an OK Youth Roundtable video series filmed in Santa Barbara features seven local youth opening up about their journey to mental well-being, and encouraging others to ask for help when they need it, reiterating their theme that It’s OK not to be OK.

“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,” said Kiara, one of the OK Roundtable youth.

“It’s important to open up about mental health because if you don’t it’s gonna build up in your head,” said Victor, another participant in the roundtable discussion. “It’s okay to not be okay just normalizes not being okay, because it happens to everyone.

“It’s okay to be anxious. It’s okay to be nervous because everyone gets those feelings. It happens. It’s a normal thing. It’s okay,” he said.

For more about the It’s OK not to be OK campaign, visit www.OKSBC.org. The website features a youth campus of resources, ways to connect, and videos to relate to other youth going through similar life challenges.

To learn more about Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.

For help with accessing Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness services, call the 24/7 toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line, 888-868-1649.