Behavioral health generally refers to the promotion of mental well-being and the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use conditions. Like physical health, behavioral health can fall anywhere on the spectrum from illness to wellness and can vary over the course of a lifetime. Common problems include anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Behavioral health is deeply connected to physical health outcomes, as well as to social and economic well being. People with behavioral health conditions are at greater risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes and more likely to have unstable employment, insecure housing, or involvement with the criminal justice system
Key findings from the CHA included:
- Drug overdose deaths are a leading contributor to premature death and are largely preventable.
- San Bernardino County, the State and the U.S. are experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths. Since 2018, the County rate of drug overdose deaths has increased from 9.4% to 30.2% in 2022.
- Opioids contribute largely to drug overdose deaths. Since 2000, there has been a 200.0% increase in deaths involving opioids (opioid pain relievers, fentanyl, and heroin). San Bernardino County experienced 354 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021, the most recent full year of data available. The age-adjusted overdose mortality rate for 2021 was 16.1 per 100,000 residents, an increase of 165.0% from 2019.
- Frequent mental distress is a related measure to poor mental health days. This indicator spotlights those who are experiencing more chronic, and likely severe, mental health issues. The percentage of adults in San Bernardino County (18+ years) with poor self-reported mental health in the past year was 16.1% in 2021, a significant increase from 12.1% in 2017.
- The percentage of people reporting suicidal thoughts in San Bernardino County significantly increased by 56.0% between 2016 to 2021.
- 21.0% of CTSA Survey respondents reported having never seen a mental health professional and 11.0% reported difficulty remembering the last time they saw a mental health professional.
- 35.6% of all CTSA Survey respondents and 52.7% of respondents who identify as a person of color indicated that access to mental health services is one the most important components of improving their health and well-being.