Growth

In his debut poetry collection, then-sixteen year old Thomas Jackson crafts a raw and unfiltered examination of coming to terms with a mental disorder. He uses that experience to reflect on the choices that allowed anxiety and depression to go untreated for a five-year period. Not only does he offer a brutal look into pivotal moments such as in "giving up," "to me," and "11." He generates an emotional momentum that ensures final poems "Regrowth" and "turning" are big payoffs. "growth" has a sense of a higher purpose. It's both comforting and poignant, aiming to inspire those suffering to seek help and healthy release. This book is a prime example of why the treatment of mental health is just as important as that of physical. Leaving both types of disorders untreated can have serious impacts that affect more than the individual. Disclaimer: This collection discusses themes of suicidal thoughts, struggles with eating, and low self-esteem. Teens should read at their own discretion, as immersing oneself in material of this subject matter can amplify existing symptoms. This book is not intended to be a treatment for any mental disorder.