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!
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