silent storms: a mental health poetry collection

by Haley Ann Ward

In Haley Ann Ward's debut poetry collection, silent storms, she exposes the uncharted depths of mental illness, the real-life impacts it has on various relationships (e.g., friends, family, significant others), and closes with the ongoing process of becoming, seeing the world from a new perspective—floating above water instead of sinking.The poems are split into three "storms" dives into the realities of living with clinical depression, loneliness, anxiety, an eating disorder, and trauma."ships" steps into the tumultuous sea of relationships, and the seamlessly hopeless struggle of finding safety and grounding within them."saltwater" explores the process of nonlinear healing and self-discovery.Some of the poets who have inspired Haley are Rupi Kaur, Levi the Poet, and Chris Bernstorf.

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

Reviews

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the poems were too long and hard to understand but that is a me problem. I'm definitely s fiction girl so don't really give nonfiction more than 4 stars. Overall some poems were boring and unrelatable. However, most poems were relatable and their was some really artistic lines that felt so emotional. Their poems felt crafted in an amazing artistic way. It moved so quick which really made you want to keep reading. They sparked so many emotions which is what I love in a poem. They were clearly well thought out and the title always had amazing name that rounded up the poem. The separation of themes was really good as it led to better understanding. Overall, an amazing poem collection that had a wide variety of themes.

[Annie L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems in this book are so intensely relatable. It’s as if the poet entered my soul, saw what lay there, and etched it onto the page. It’s heartening to see the things I have struggled with and still do struggle with are not just solitary experiences but are universal, aspects of the human condition. The poems are masterful and the book leaves you feeling hopeful and in community with the world and yourself.

[Rose Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent storms. It's the perfect description for the struggles of mental illness. Broken arm is visible to the eye but what about a broken heart?

Ward's poems dive into the minds, hearts, and souls of those fighting against the silent storms. She puts the struggles into words. Through her words there's hope, there's healing.