Mental Health Spotlight: Eating Disorders 
Mental Health Spotlight

Mental Health Spotlight: Addiction

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 eating disorders. 

Display at Central

Eating disorders are real, complex, bio-psycho-social diseases that can have a serious impact on health, productivity and relationships. They are NOT fads, phases, or lifestyle choices. Anyone can develop an eating disorder—no matter your age, race, gender or weight. 

bio-psycho-social causes

The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.

People struggling with an eating disorder often become obsessed with food, body image and weight. 

Take this short screening to determine if you may be grappling with eating disorder behaviors and if it's time to seek professional help. 

About Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders are one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses. They also have one of the highest mortality rates. While eating disorders manifest in behaviors regarding food and weight, eating disorders revolve around control. An eating disorder can give someone a false sense of security and order. Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Learn more from the resources below:
Types of Eating Disorders

What Does Compulsive Overeating Feel Like

- 2021 Eating Disorder Statistics 

Support and Recovery
Recovery is possible. The earlier a person receives treatment, the greater the likelihood of full recovery. Remember, you are not alone. The idea of recovery from an eating disorder can feel overwhelming and scary. But, you deserve recovery. You deserve to find peace with your relationship with food and your body. You deserve to be healthy. You deserve to exist, no matter what your size or shape. An eating disorder does not have to control your life. 

Recovery & Awareness
- Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Is it Even Possible?

- 11 Dos and Don’ts for Recovering From Eating Disorders

- Best Eating Disorder Support Groups

- 8 Reasons to Recover from Your Eating Disorder

- Recovering from an Eating Disorder When You Live in a Larger Body
Stay Connected
Check out these inspiring Instagram accounts that promote eating disorder awareness and education, as well as support and recovery. 

National Eating Disorder Association

- I Weigh

- Eating Disorder Center

- Aubrey Gordo (author)

- "Beyond Beautiful" by Anuschka Rees

- Nia Patterson (advocate)

Eating Disorder Hope

- Ryan Sheldon (advocate & NEDA ambassador)

- Beating Eating Disorders 


Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address Eating Disorders below:


For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local Aurora Public Library and look for call number 616.8526. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.

Check back in April for our Mental Health Spotlight on Depression.
Posted by [email protected] On 02 March, 2021 at 9:22 AM  

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