September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; a month dedicated to mental health awareness and to those who may be struggling in silence. Aurora Public Library carries a wide variety of mental health books for people of all ages. The resources below highlight some of the books available in the catalog:
Books on suicide awareness for teens and adults
"I'm suicidal, now what?" by Judy Monroe Peterson
Peterson educates teens about suicide, risk factors for suicide and how to cope with the thoughts of suicide.
"Overcoming suicidal thoughts for teens: CBT activities to reduce pain, increase hope, & build meaningful connections" by Jeremy W Pettit
Pettit focuses on how to overcome suicidal thoughts and understanding and managing intense emotions.
"Hello, cruel world: 101+ alternatives to suicide for teens, freaks, and other outlaws" by Kate Bornstein
Bornstein created a book with 121 alternatives to suicide for teenagers to explore.
More resources on suicide and suicide awareness at Aurora Public Library
Anxiety, PTSD and mental wellness for teens and adults
“101 ways to conquer teen anxiety: simple tips, techniques and strategies for overcoming anxiety, worry and panic attacks” by Thomas McDonagh
McDonagh’s book offers quizzes, activities and tips to help teenagers identify anxiety triggers. He also helps teens learn skills to redirect behavior and prevent panic attacks.
“When anxiety makes you angry: CBT anger management skills for teens with anxiety-driven anger” by Kelsey Torgerson Dunn
Dunn helps to identify triggers that may cause outbursts of anger, such as anxiety or suppressed emotions. Dunn also presents healthy coping and self-regulation skills.
“Staying mentally healthy” by Robert Rodi
Rodi primarily focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and the resources available to help them navigate their mental health. These resources include organizations, coping mechanisms and how to handle social pressures.
“Living with PTSD” by Lindsay Wyskowski
Wyskowski identifies the causes and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the ways available to manage and treat PTSD.
Resources for parents, caregivers and loved ones
“Adolescent depression: a guide for parents” by Francis Mark Mondimore
Mondimore discusses the symptoms of depression while promoting a compassionate guide to answer questions parents may have. It also promotes parents helping themselves.
“Loving someone with a serious mental illness: caring for your loved one and yourself on the journey to mental health recovery” by Katherine Ponte
Ponte provides insight and practical tools to help support those affected with mental illness and how to take care of themselves. This includes describing symptoms, signs and understanding the emotions of those afflicted.
“Advanced parenting: advice for helping kids through diagnoses, differences, and mental health challenges” by Kelly Fradin
Fradin has created a guide for parents with tools to manage their own emotional stress, handle day-to-day life and help parents better understand the needs of their children.
More resources on mental health at Aurora Public Library.
Please check with your local Aurora Public Library for more topics and specific books. You are not alone and the libraries around you have resources available to help.