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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