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.
This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on Depression.
About Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a medical illness that can interfere with your ability to handle your daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or managing your school work. Depression is common but that doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.
Sadness is something we all experience. It is a normal reaction to a loss or a setback, but it usually passes with a little time. Depression is different.
Well-meaning friends or family members may try to tell someone with depression to “snap out of it,” “just be positive,” or “you can be happier if you just try harder.” But depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.
This helpful article does an excellent job at explaining Depression.
Most people with depression need treatment to get better.
If you are wondering if you may have depression, take this self-assessment or ask yourself these questions:
• Do you constantly feel sad, anxious, or even “empty,” like you feel nothing?
• Do you feel hopeless or like everything is going wrong?
• Do you feel like you’re worthless or helpless? Do you feel guilty about things?
• Do you feel irritable much of the time?
• Do you find yourself spending more time alone and withdrawing from friends and family?
• Are your grades dropping?
• Have you lost interest or pleasure in activities and hobbies that you used to enjoy?
• Have your eating or sleeping habits changed (eating or sleeping more than usual or less than usual)?
• Do you always feel tired? Like you have less energy than normal or no energy at all?
• Do you feel restless or have trouble sitting still?
• Do you feel like you have trouble concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions?
• Do you have aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or stomach problems without a clear cause?
• Do you ever think about dying or suicide? Have you ever tried to harm yourself?
Learn more about Depression here.
7 Facts You Should Know About Depression
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts
If your depression becomes so overwhelming that 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, 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 a suicide helpline - 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.
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.
Read through these relatable articles regarding depression and how it can affect your life.
• 22 'Red Flags' That Might Mean You're Slipping Back Into Depression
• What I Wish I Could Tell You Instead of 'I'm Fine'
• The 'Depression Chart' I Made to Help Others Understand My Depression
• Depression Is Not the Same as Sadness
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address Depression
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 May for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
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