Mental Health Spotlight: Abuse
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 Young Adult 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 abuse.
The definition of abuse is: “a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another.” Abuse can take a number of forms and it is important to note that abuse is a pattern of behavior, not a single incident.
Types of Abuse:
1. Physical: any non-accidental act or behavior causing injury, trauma, or other physical suffering or bodily harm.
2. Sexual: abusive sexual behavior by one person upon another. Often perpetrated using force or by taking advantage of another.
3. Verbal: type of mental abuse through the use of language. It is an act of abuse where the abuser attacks the self-concept of the victim, decreasing their self-confidence and making them feel powerless. Examples include: harassing, labeling, insulting, scolding, excessive yelling, derogatory terms, delivery of statements intended to fright, humiliate, denigrate, or belittle.
4. Mental/Emotional: any kind of abuse that is emotional rather than physical. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics such as intimidation, manipulation, and refusal to ever be pleased. Emotional abuse can take several forms. Three general patterns of abusive behavior include aggressing, denying, and minimizing.
5. Neglect: either through action or inaction, an abuser deprives a vulnerable person of the care necessary to maintain their physical or mental health. Examples include: not providing basic items such as food, water, clothing, a safe place to live, medicine, or health care.
6. Financial: control over the other person’s access to economic resources, which diminishes the victim's capacity to support themselves and forces them to depend on the perpetrator financially. Examples include: Preventing someone from obtaining education, restricting their ability to find employment, maintain, or advance their careers, spending their money without their consent, or creating debt.
7. Cultural/Identity: use aspects of a victim’s particular cultural identity to inflict suffering, or as a means of control. Examples include: Not letting someone observe the dietary or dress customs of their faith, using racial slurs, threatening to ‘out’ someone as LGBTQA+ if their friends and family don’t know, or isolating someone who doesn’t speak the dominant language where they.
8. Online: any type of abuse that happens on the internet. It can happen across any device that's connected to the web, like computers, tablets and mobile phones.
Articles Regarding Abuse:
- Abusive Relationships
- What Is Emotional Abuse?
- What a Flashback Feels Like as a Survivor of Sexual Abuse
- 10 Common Patterns Of Verbal Abuse
- How to Recognize the Signs of Mental and Emotional Abuse
- 5 Actionable Steps Towards Healing After an Abusive Relationship
- What Are the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Emotional Abuse?
- The Connection Between Verbal Abuse And Anxiety (That No One Talks About)
- How To Help A Friend Who May Be In An Abusive Relationship
- Online Abuse
Find Support:
There is support for you. Calling an anonymous hotline can provide support, answer questions, and help connect you to additional resources.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800-656-4673
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline - 800-422-4453
- National Runaway Safeline - 800-786-2929
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address abuse:
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in December for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
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 Bipolar Disorder.
About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that causes cycles of extreme mood swings. These episodes of mania or hypomania and depression can severely impact a person’s daily functioning. The highs and lows of Bipolar Disorder can occur multiple times a year or rarely.
Mania or hypomania symptoms can include:
• Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
• Increased activity, energy or agitation
• Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility
• Poor decision-making — for example, going on buying sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments
Depression symptoms can include:
• Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless or tearful (in children and teens, depressed mood can appear as irritability)
• Marked loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in all — or almost all — activities
• Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite (in children, failure to gain weight as expected can be a sign of depression)
• Either insomnia or sleeping too much
• Either restlessness or slowed behavior
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
• Thinking about, planning or attempting suicide
Learn more about Bipolar Disorder here.
Relatable Articles to Explore:
- Here's What It's Actually Like To Live With Bipolar Disorder
- 15 Self-Care Tips for People Living with Bipolar Disorder
- What I Want My Loved Ones to Understand About Bipolar Depression
- 12 Celebrities That Have Opened Up About Having Bipolar Disorder
- This Is What a Mixed Bipolar Episode Feels Like
- Effects of Bipolar Disorder on the Body
- How Do I Tell New Friends About My History of Bipolar Disorder?
- 11 Ways People Cope With Bipolar Disorder Isolation
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address Bipolar Disorder
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 616.89. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in November for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
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!
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!
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 Central branch teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction. Whether you or someone you know is living with a mental health issue, or you merely are 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 ADHD.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition marked by patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning.
The National Institute of Mental Health describes the three categories of symptoms:
“Inattention means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized; and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
Hyperactivity means a person seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not appropriate; or excessively fidgets, taps or talks. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity.
Impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about them and that may have a high potential for harm, or a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without considering the long-term consequences.”
About ADHD:
ADHD in Teens
Everything You Need to Know About ADHD
Relatable + Helpful Articles:
Sometimes ADHD has an unfortunate stigma attached with it. Here’s a handful of common misconceptions regarding ADHD: it only impacts children, it isn’t a real disorder, people who have ADHD are just lazy or easily distracted, ADHD is overly and recklessly diagnosed, you can grow out of ADHD… to name a few.
This is NOT true! ADHD is a real medical condition that can severely impact a person’s life.
Check out these relatable and helpful articles regarding ADHD:
19 Truths People With ADHD Wish Others Understood
23 Times Tumblr Nailed What It's Like To Have ADHD
What is EFT Tapping, and Can It Calm the ADHD Brain
35 Things People With ADHD Want Everyone Else To Know
17 Unfortunate Realities Of Having ADHD
What is EFT Tapping, and Can It Calm the ADHD Brain
TikTok Creators Show the “Real” ADHD
29-Year-Old Artist With ADHD Explains This Mental Disorder In 23 Comics
ADHD Coping Strategies You Haven’t Tried Yet
Explore Young Adult novels that address ADHD:
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for the call numbers 616 & 618. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in August for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
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?
Every month, Aurora Public Library has a Mental Health Spotlight. For June’s spotlight, we’re celebrating Pride! A lack of support and understanding from community, family, and friends can impact the health of LGBT+ teens at a higher rate than their peers. Check out your local Aurora Library’s display for stories celebrating queer identity and LGBT+ voices, and visit Aurora Central Library’s Teen Resources display for additional community resources if you or someone you know is dealing with prejudice and hate.
Remember, your mental health matters.
For our June Spotlight, we will be celebrating PRIDE Month!
Pride Month is celebrated a celebration of LGBTQIA+ Americans! Each June, PRIDE serves to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and works to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQIA+ Americans. Learn more about PRIDE Month here.
LGBTQIA+ teens face mental health challenges at higher rates than their peers. There are a variety of factors that contribute to this, including stress regarding sexual orientation, bullying, feelings of isolation, etc. While many LGBTQIA+ teen struggle with their mental health, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many teens have similar challenges and help is available. Read more here.
Resources:
The Trevor Project | CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers | Q Chat Space | It Gets Better Project | We Are the Youth | Rainbow Alley
Articles:
The Top 10 LGBTQ Social Media Influencers to Follow Right Now
LGBTQ Youth and Mental Health
20 Affirmations and Readings for Folks Raised in Anti-LGBTQIA+ Church Families
Here’s What It Means to be A Demi-Romantic Asexual Agender Teen
5 Mental Health Takeaways From a Panel of Queer Asian Voices
Inspiring Stories of LGBTQ High School Teens
Supporting the LGBTQ Community
What It’s Like to be Out as LGBTQ at School
Explore more Young Adult novels & non-fiction focusing on queer experiences below.
For more resources for all ages, visit the non-fiction department at your local library and look for call number 306.76.
Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health Center.
Check back in July for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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 addiction.
ad·dic·tion: the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing or activity.
- When Does Something Become an Addiction
- Concerned you may be abusing substances? Take a self-assessment quiz to see how your habits and usage may be influencing your life.
Having an addiction does not make you a bad person.
- What does addiction feel like?
- Many people think of addiction in terms of substances, like drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. These substance addictions are severe and very common. This article breaks down the top 10 in this category.
- However, behavioral addictions, while often overlooked, can seriously impact a person’s life. Some examples include gambling, shopping, food, sex, internet/social media. Check out this article for more examples of behavioral addictions.
Recovery is possible.
- Are you struggling with an addiction? Support groups can be helpful. Learn about different types of support groups here.
- Find a support group meeting.
- Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Aurora for teens & online Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
Is someone you know struggling with an addiction?
Parents, significant others, family members and friends who are battling an addiction can cause stress, anxiety, fear and isolation to those who love them. You are not alone. Al-Alon and Ala-Teen offer resources and support groups to those affected by someone who is addicted. Visit their website for more information.
Real teens share their stories of addiction
Meet Hailey
Meet Michael
Meet Savannah
Meet Tyelur
Substance use resources for teens
- 7 Things People in Addiction Recovery Wish You Knew
- 23 Recovering Addicts Share The One Thing They Wish People Understood About Their Addictions
- How to Talk About Addiction with a friend or loved one
- How to Help an Addicted Friend or Relative
Explore Young Adult novels that address addiction
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 362.292. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in March for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
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