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!
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