Hey teens, let’s talk! :)
I'm Taylor, one of the Youth Services librarians over at Central Library.
Each month at the Aurora Public Library, I cover a variety of topics for teens. This month’s blog is all about mental health.
Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse books, resources, and/or activities related to the monthly topic.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. In simpler terms, mental health affects how we think, behave, and feel—which then can affect our daily lives, relationships, and physical health. Conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction (as a few examples), can turn a person’s daily life upside down.
Read more here: MedicalNewsToday.com
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” The WHO stress that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” Peak mental health is about not only avoiding active conditions but also looking after ongoing wellness and happiness.
The 10 Tools for Living Mentally Healthy:
1. Connect with others
2. Stay positive
3. Get physically active
4. Help others
5. Get enough Sleep
6. Create joy and satisfaction
7. Eat well
8. Take care of your spirit
9. Deal better with hard times
10. Get professional help if you need it
Read more about how to incorporate these practices into your life here: MHANational.org/ten-tools
Never forget: Your mental health MATTERS.
Read more:
Explore books & eContent regarding mental health:
Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back next month for our next Teen Talk!
Come join me every Thursday at 4 p.m. for our weekly Teen Hang at the Aurora Central Library. I'd love to meet you and hear about what topics you’d like featured.
-Taylor (she/her)
Hey teens, let’s talk!
I'm Taylor, one of the Youth Services librarians at Aurora Central Library.
Each month at the Aurora Public Library, I cover a variety of topics for teens. This month’s blog on mindfulness.
Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse books, resources, and activities related to the monthly topic.
Mindfulness and meditation have become buzzwords over the last few years and for good reason—it works, it’s free, it’s simple, and anyone can do it. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all and altered the way we do life. Slowing down and remaining present is now more essential than ever to our overall well-being.
Let’s dive in — what is mindfulness?
“Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.
Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment.
When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future.” (Source: Greater Good Magazine)
Read these articles about the power of mindfulness in daily life:
- How I Became a Mindfulness Convert
- Benefits of Mindfulness
- How to Practice Mindfulness: 11 Practical Steps and Tips
I only recently got into meditation and mindfulness. I had heard a lot about the practice. I had heard about the benefits, but I still was resistant. It felt too easy or like it wouldn’t make much of a difference. About eight months ago I started incorporating deep breathing meditation before bed to help with my insomnia. I would play some ocean sounds or thunderstorms on my phone and practice deep breathing for twenty minutes while lying in bed. The results were instant and long-lasting.
Since then, whenever I have started to feel overwhelmed or anxious I’ll try to remember to step aside and take a couple of deep breathes to re-center myself. I can feel my body relaxing and the tension leaving after a few breathes. It’s amazing!
Three months ago I started reading up on mindfulness. I was surprised to find how simple and transformative the practice was. It sounds so simple—pay attention to the present moment, pay attention to how you feel, your surroundings, etc.
The area of my life where I was able to see immediate changes was with eating. When practicing mindful eating you have no distractions, savor each bite, and fully engage with the act of eating and the food in front of you.
What is most important about mindfulness is that you don’t have to be perfect and it is something that you continue to practice and grow with. I hope that you will consider incorporating mindfulness into your daily life and giving meditation a try. I have found it to be more beneficial than I thought.
Explore these free apps for guided meditations and mindfulness practices:
- Smiling Mind – FREE app
- Insight Timer – FREE app (pay for more access)
Check out these books related to mindfulness and meditation:
Check back in April for our next Teen Talk!
Join me every Thursday at 4 p.m. for our weekly Teen Hang at Aurora Central Library (14949 E. Alameda Pkwy.). I'd love to meet you and hear about what topics you’d like featured.
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters.
This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on Self-Care.
Self-care is not a substitute for professional help and does not cure mental illness. However, incorporating self-care practices into your daily life can make a positive impact on your well-being both in the short and long-term. Read more here.
Some daily self-care includes sleep, nutrition, movement, boundaries & relaxation.
Sleep
Getting adequate sleep on a regular basis is essential to the functioning of not only our bodies and brains, but also our well-being. Sleep impacts more than you may think. When you are operating on limited sleep, our brains cannot process information as efficiently—which can leave us feeling confused, irritable, and emotionally charged.
Sleep Tips for Teens
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is so important. When we fuel our bodies with nutrient rich foods, our bodies and brains are able to function at optimal levels. Not only are we physically feeding our bodies, but our overall mental health and well-being can be improved with a healthy diet.
- How What You Eat Affects Your Mental Health
- Food and Mood
- 6 Ways to Practice Mindful Eating
Movement
Regular, consistent exercise is one simple way to improve your overall health. Many people are familiar with the physical benefits exercise can reap—from maintaining healthy weight to preventing diseases, but exercise can also boost your energy, improve your sleep and enhance your mood.
- 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
- How to Start Exercising: A Beginner’s Guide to Working Out
- How to Stay Active As a Teen
Boundaries
Boundaries are guidelines for relationships with those in your life. They are important to establish for your own well-being, as well as helpful for those on the receiving in to know how best to behave with you. Often times boundary setting can feel awkward, harsh, confusing, or wrong – setting boundaries with those in your life is not selfish, it actually creates a more safe and rewarding relationship or both parties.
- What Are Boundaries and Why Are They Important
- Why Do Boundaries Make Us Feel Bad
- How to Set Healthy Boundaries With Friends to Preserve Your Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Relaxation
Slowing down, relaxing, and re-centering yourself can sometimes feel like a luxury that we do not have. Many of us are busy with school, home, friends, chores, hobbies-- and it seems like there are endless things on our to-do list. Our culture is one that values being productive and can glorify being stressed out. But what is more important to our well-being is actually stopping to be aware of the present moment. Deep breathing and practicing mindfulness can do wonders to your emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
- 10 Cool Meditations
- 12 Science-Based Benefits of Meditation
- Getting Started with Mindfulness
- Visit the Calm Room—Videos, Sounds, and Resources to Help You Relax and Refocus
Explore books that address Self-Care:
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in 2022 for our next blog post!
Mental Health Spotlight: Abuse
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse Young Adult novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters.
This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on abuse.
The definition of abuse is: “a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another.” Abuse can take a number of forms and it is important to note that abuse is a pattern of behavior, not a single incident.
Types of Abuse:
1. Physical: any non-accidental act or behavior causing injury, trauma, or other physical suffering or bodily harm.
2. Sexual: abusive sexual behavior by one person upon another. Often perpetrated using force or by taking advantage of another.
3. Verbal: type of mental abuse through the use of language. It is an act of abuse where the abuser attacks the self-concept of the victim, decreasing their self-confidence and making them feel powerless. Examples include: harassing, labeling, insulting, scolding, excessive yelling, derogatory terms, delivery of statements intended to fright, humiliate, denigrate, or belittle.
4. Mental/Emotional: any kind of abuse that is emotional rather than physical. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics such as intimidation, manipulation, and refusal to ever be pleased. Emotional abuse can take several forms. Three general patterns of abusive behavior include aggressing, denying, and minimizing.
5. Neglect: either through action or inaction, an abuser deprives a vulnerable person of the care necessary to maintain their physical or mental health. Examples include: not providing basic items such as food, water, clothing, a safe place to live, medicine, or health care.
6. Financial: control over the other person’s access to economic resources, which diminishes the victim's capacity to support themselves and forces them to depend on the perpetrator financially. Examples include: Preventing someone from obtaining education, restricting their ability to find employment, maintain, or advance their careers, spending their money without their consent, or creating debt.
7. Cultural/Identity: use aspects of a victim’s particular cultural identity to inflict suffering, or as a means of control. Examples include: Not letting someone observe the dietary or dress customs of their faith, using racial slurs, threatening to ‘out’ someone as LGBTQA+ if their friends and family don’t know, or isolating someone who doesn’t speak the dominant language where they.
8. Online: any type of abuse that happens on the internet. It can happen across any device that's connected to the web, like computers, tablets and mobile phones.
Articles Regarding Abuse:
- Abusive Relationships
- What Is Emotional Abuse?
- What a Flashback Feels Like as a Survivor of Sexual Abuse
- 10 Common Patterns Of Verbal Abuse
- How to Recognize the Signs of Mental and Emotional Abuse
- 5 Actionable Steps Towards Healing After an Abusive Relationship
- What Are the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Emotional Abuse?
- The Connection Between Verbal Abuse And Anxiety (That No One Talks About)
- How To Help A Friend Who May Be In An Abusive Relationship
- Online Abuse
Find Support:
There is support for you. Calling an anonymous hotline can provide support, answer questions, and help connect you to additional resources.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800-656-4673
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline - 800-422-4453
- National Runaway Safeline - 800-786-2929
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address abuse:
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in December for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters.
This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on Bipolar Disorder.
About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that causes cycles of extreme mood swings. These episodes of mania or hypomania and depression can severely impact a person’s daily functioning. The highs and lows of Bipolar Disorder can occur multiple times a year or rarely.
Mania or hypomania symptoms can include:
• Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
• Increased activity, energy or agitation
• Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility
• Poor decision-making — for example, going on buying sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments
Depression symptoms can include:
• Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless or tearful (in children and teens, depressed mood can appear as irritability)
• Marked loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in all — or almost all — activities
• Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite (in children, failure to gain weight as expected can be a sign of depression)
• Either insomnia or sleeping too much
• Either restlessness or slowed behavior
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
• Thinking about, planning or attempting suicide
Learn more about Bipolar Disorder here.
Relatable Articles to Explore:
- Here's What It's Actually Like To Live With Bipolar Disorder
- 15 Self-Care Tips for People Living with Bipolar Disorder
- What I Want My Loved Ones to Understand About Bipolar Depression
- 12 Celebrities That Have Opened Up About Having Bipolar Disorder
- This Is What a Mixed Bipolar Episode Feels Like
- Effects of Bipolar Disorder on the Body
- How Do I Tell New Friends About My History of Bipolar Disorder?
- 11 Ways People Cope With Bipolar Disorder Isolation
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address Bipolar Disorder
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 616.89. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in November for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters.
This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on suicide in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 5 – 11) and National Suicide Prevention Month in September.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues (Nami, 2021). The goal of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the stigmatized, and often taboo, topic of suicide and to spread both valuable information and hope to those who have been affected by it.
Having suicidal thoughts can be scary and they can range in their intensity. This scale is a helpful tool to check in with yourself when you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts:
If you can’t see any solution besides harming yourself or others, you need to get help right away.
Asking for help can be really difficult, but it’s vital you reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, teacher, etc. If you don’t feel that you have anyone to talk to, or think that talking to a stranger might be easier, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.
• Whatever your situation, it takes real courage to face death and step back from the brink.
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others does not make you a bad person.
• If your feelings are uncontrollable, tell yourself to wait 24 hours before you take any action.
• If you’re afraid you might do something, make sure you are never alone. Even if you can’t verbalize your feelings, just stay in public places, hang out with friends or family members.
Read more on suicidal thoughts here.
Real Teens Share Their Stories:
- Meet Halima Shegow
- Meet Jordan Burnham
- Meet Travis Young
Learn More:
- The Aspect of Suicidality That Suicide Prevention Campaigns Are Missing
- 6 Ways to Deal With Suicidal Thoughts, According to Experts
- What a ‘Typical’ Day Looks Like With Chronic Suicidal Thoughts
Explore Young Adult novels and non-fiction that address suicide. Visit the display at Aurora Central Library for more books.
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 362.28. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in October for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters.
This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
About PTSD:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that some people may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. A traumatic event varies from person to person, some examples include:
- physical, verbal, or sexual abuse
- mass shootings
- natural disasters
- violent crime
- serious injury or illness
- military combat
- car accidents
Many people associate PTSD with soldiers returning home from war. However, this stereotype can be damaging to those who have lived through a trauma and are suffering from PTSD-- but may feel that what they experienced was “not bad enough” to seek help. This is not true. Your trauma is valid, whatever that may be and you deserve to receive support and treatment.
Read more from Mayo Clinic about PTSD here.
This infographic breaks down the basics of PTSD:
Additional informative articles specifically related to youth:
Polaris Teen
Kids Health
Did you know that there are two types of PTSD?
PTSD is typically reserved for a single event. An example could be a serious car accident or witnessing a friend’s suicide. However, Complex PTSD often referred to as C-PTSD is a repeated trauma that can last months to years. An example could be ongoing physical, verbal, or sexual abuse.
Read more about C-PTSD here.
If you are wondering if you may have PTSD, take this self-assessment.
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts:
Suicidal thoughts can accompany those with PTSD.
Asking for help can be really difficult, but it’s vital you reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or teacher, etc. If you don’t feel that you have anyone to talk to, or think that talking to a stranger might be easier, call the suicide helpline at 1-800-273-8255.
Remember:
• Whatever your situation, it takes real courage to face death and step back from the brink.
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others does not make you a bad person.
• If your feelings are uncontrollable, tell yourself to wait 24 hours before you take any action.
• If you’re afraid you might do something, make sure you are never alone. Even if you can’t verbalize your feelings, just stay in public places, hang out with friends or family members.
Read more on suicidal thoughts here.
Find Community:
Check out The Mighty, a website dedicated to providing community and support online. No matter what health situation you're going through. The Mighty breaks down what health is really like.
Join a PTSD Support Community - more information here.
Read through these relatable articles regarding PTSD and how it can affect your life.
- 31 Small Ways To Make Living With PTSD A Little Easier
- 41 Truths People With PTSD Wish Others Understood
- 5 Ways People With PTSD Love Differently In Relationships
- Grounding Exercises For PTSD
- 9 Surprising Facts About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- 76 Healing C-PTSD Quotes and Affirmations
- 16 Lies People With PTSD Tell
- TED Talks on Trauma and PTSD
- 23 'Embarrassing' Symptoms of PTSD We Don't Talk About
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address PTSD:
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 616.85. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in September for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Central branch teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction. Whether you or someone you know is living with a mental health issue, or you merely are interested in the topic, APL has information, resources, and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters.
This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on ADHD.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition marked by patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning.
The National Institute of Mental Health describes the three categories of symptoms:
“Inattention means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized; and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
Hyperactivity means a person seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not appropriate; or excessively fidgets, taps or talks. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity.
Impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about them and that may have a high potential for harm, or a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without considering the long-term consequences.”
About ADHD:
ADHD in Teens
Everything You Need to Know About ADHD
Relatable + Helpful Articles:
Sometimes ADHD has an unfortunate stigma attached with it. Here’s a handful of common misconceptions regarding ADHD: it only impacts children, it isn’t a real disorder, people who have ADHD are just lazy or easily distracted, ADHD is overly and recklessly diagnosed, you can grow out of ADHD… to name a few.
This is NOT true! ADHD is a real medical condition that can severely impact a person’s life.
Check out these relatable and helpful articles regarding ADHD:
19 Truths People With ADHD Wish Others Understood
23 Times Tumblr Nailed What It's Like To Have ADHD
What is EFT Tapping, and Can It Calm the ADHD Brain
35 Things People With ADHD Want Everyone Else To Know
17 Unfortunate Realities Of Having ADHD
What is EFT Tapping, and Can It Calm the ADHD Brain
TikTok Creators Show the “Real” ADHD
29-Year-Old Artist With ADHD Explains This Mental Disorder In 23 Comics
ADHD Coping Strategies You Haven’t Tried Yet
Explore Young Adult novels that address ADHD:
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for the call numbers 616 & 618. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in August for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Every month, Aurora Public Library has a Mental Health Spotlight. For June’s spotlight, we’re celebrating Pride! A lack of support and understanding from community, family, and friends can impact the health of LGBT+ teens at a higher rate than their peers. Check out your local Aurora Library’s display for stories celebrating queer identity and LGBT+ voices, and visit Aurora Central Library’s Teen Resources display for additional community resources if you or someone you know is dealing with prejudice and hate.
Remember, your mental health matters.
For our June Spotlight, we will be celebrating PRIDE Month!
Pride Month is celebrated a celebration of LGBTQIA+ Americans! Each June, PRIDE serves to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and works to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQIA+ Americans. Learn more about PRIDE Month here.
LGBTQIA+ teens face mental health challenges at higher rates than their peers. There are a variety of factors that contribute to this, including stress regarding sexual orientation, bullying, feelings of isolation, etc. While many LGBTQIA+ teen struggle with their mental health, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many teens have similar challenges and help is available. Read more here.
Resources:
The Trevor Project | CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers | Q Chat Space | It Gets Better Project | We Are the Youth | Rainbow Alley
Articles:
The Top 10 LGBTQ Social Media Influencers to Follow Right Now
LGBTQ Youth and Mental Health
20 Affirmations and Readings for Folks Raised in Anti-LGBTQIA+ Church Families
Here’s What It Means to be A Demi-Romantic Asexual Agender Teen
5 Mental Health Takeaways From a Panel of Queer Asian Voices
Inspiring Stories of LGBTQ High School Teens
Supporting the LGBTQ Community
What It’s Like to be Out as LGBTQ at School
Explore more Young Adult novels & non-fiction focusing on queer experiences below.
For more resources for all ages, visit the non-fiction department at your local library and look for call number 306.76.
Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health Center.
Check back in July for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Each month Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters.
For our May Spotlight, we will be honoring Mental Health Awareness Month!
Since 1949, May has served as Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a reminder that mental health is essential to our lives and those living with mental health issues or a mental illness are deserving of care, understanding, and recovery.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. In simpler terms, mental health affects how we think, behave, and feel—which then can affect our daily lives, relationships, and physical health. Conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction (as a few examples), can turn a person’s daily life upside down.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” The WHO stress that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” Peak mental health is about not only avoiding active conditions but also looking after ongoing wellness and happiness.
Read more about what mental health means here.
While Mental Health encompasses a lot, here’s a few topics that impact our daily lives:
Relationships:
Toxic vs. Healthy Friendships: What’s the Difference for Teenagers?
8 Ways Setting Boundaries Improves Your Quality of Life
Sleep:
Healthy Sleep Tips
The Relationship Between Sleep and Mental Health
Physical Health:
5 Ways an Active Lifestyle Supports Mental Health
How Your Mental Health Impacts Your Physical Health
Stress:
9 Quick Ways to Calm Down When You Feel Overwhelmed
Mindfulness for Teens
General Mental Health:
Top 10 Self Care Hacks for Your Brain
5 Charts You Need If Identifying Your Emotions Is Hard
31 Tips To Boost Your Mental Health
Diet, Exercise, and Sleep Are Pillars of Mental Health, Study Finds
The Importance of Gratitude in Time of COVID
14 Top (Binge-Worthy) Podcasts About Mental Health
You Are Not Alone
10 Affirmations for When You Think You're Unlovable
Forgiveness Can Improve Your Emotional and Physical Health
18 Invaluable Pieces of Advice I've Received From Therapists
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
Real People Share Their Story:
Make It Okay To Talk About Mental Illness
I Was Scared To Talk About My Mental Health
10 Reasons Why I Talk About My Mental Health
Stay Connected:
15 Best Mental Health Blogs for 2021
Lisa Olivera
9 Instagram Accounts Changing the Conversations Around Mental Health
The Mighty
8 Inspiring, Young Mental Health Activists You Need to Know About
Self-Care is for Everyone
Liz & Mollie
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address Mental Health:
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 616.8527.
Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in June for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
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