Mental Health Spotlight: Bipolar Disorder 
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. 
 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. 
 
Chart showing signs of Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

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.  

Aurora Central Library display featuring books about bipolar disorcer

Check back in November for our next Mental Health Spotlight!  
Posted by [email protected] On 12 October, 2021 at 9:33 AM  

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