Anxiety In Teens had the opportunity to connect with debuting author Taylor Thorpe, who wrote Hidden In The Shadows after a difficult time helping her friend after a suicide attempt. Taylor is now inspiring other youth to know they are not alone and informing those who may not understand mental illness through her new book. Read more for the inside scoop straight from the author!
AiT: Tell us a little about your story!
TT: Two years ago, my best friend attempted suicide. She was typically a happy, carefree person and she had just won homecoming queen, so this attempt was very shocking. After she woke up from being passed out for a little bit, I talked to her most of the night to make sure she was okay and to keep her from taking more pills. After recovering from the events of that day and the emotional beating she had taken, she thanked me from the bottom of her heart for saving her life. I found that I had a knack for talking to people who were suffering and I genuinely enjoyed it, as well. I made my @HopeHeals1 account on Twitter and started reaching out to everyone that I could who needed a friend.
AiT: What inspired you to write the book? What outcome do you hope Hidden in the Shadows will do for others?
TT: I was searching online for books that contained real stories of people that had been suffering, and I could not find any. Then I thought to myself what the benefits of this book could be: it would open the eyes of those who judge, as well as let others know they aren’t alone in their struggle. So I decided I would gather the stories and write the book myself in order to help as many as I can.
AiT: Do you have any advice for those struggling right now?
TT: My advice to those who are struggling is simply said, but not as easily done: keep going. Just when you think you can’t go on any more, do it. Hold on, keep fighting. Things will get better, regardless of whatever situation you are in.
About Taylor Thorpe:
My name is Taylor Gabrielle Thorpe, and I’m an 18 year old with a dream to positively impact as many lives as possible. I am a sophomore and play softball for Georgia State University. I created @HopeHeals1 in order to reach out to those who are suffering, so don’t hesitate to contact me. Through anything you are going through, you can keep going. You can win this battle, and I am happy to be in your army.
Taylor Gabrielle Thorpe (@HopeHeals1) has performed two tasks that one usually doesn’t see put together: she wrote a book while being a Division I athlete at Georgia State University. Hidden in the Shadows is her first book and she hopes to influence as many lives as possible with it. Her book is published through Lulu.com and available for purchase here.