Why I Jumped: A Dramatic Story of Finding Hope beyond Depression

by Tina Zahn, Wanda Dyson

On July 19, 2004, an amazing story, accompanied by incredible police camera video footage, broke across network and cable news programs. After a high-speed chase to the top of Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a young woman stopped, stepped out of her car, walked to the edge of the bridge--and jumped. State trooper Les Boldt raced over, thrust out his hand, and in a miracle of timing and determination, snagged the woman's wrist as she started the plunge. Other officers ran to his aid, and they pulled the woman to safety while the on-dash police cam captured the action. That woman on the edge was Tina Zahn, and in Why I Jumped she tells her story. In this gripping book, now available in paperback, Zahn gives readers a look at what led to such severe depression that suicide seemed the only answer. Readers won't be able to put down this powerful true story of crippling depression, dramatic rescue, and a return to hope.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Christian, Autobiography, Mental Health, Psychology

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2005

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very (less than 24 hours) quick read that kept me interested throughout the entire book. Basically, you read quickly to get to the point where she jumps, wanting to know how everything played together to that point and then, after you get there, you want to keep reading in order to know "what happens." It's not an easy read for anyone who has experienced depression, PPD or abuse but I think it's a great, realistic and spiritually positive book for mothers experiencing some of these issues.

Issues talked about include: post-partum depression (PPD), regular depression, suicide attempts, graphic descriptions of child birth, child molestation, child abuse, spousal abuse, poor relationships within the family, adoption, Christianity, religion, hospitalization and medication (for depression and anxiety).

[Molly · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's the voyeur in me, the rubber-necker that caused me to borrow this from a non-reading friend's apartment. I spent high school in Green Bay, and whenever we go home, we cross the Tower Drive Bridge and I do remember when the video circulated though I'd been gone for five years; beyond that, I've taken courses such as Women and Madness in History and Literature and hold up poets such as Plath and Sexton as excellent examples in craft.

But the writing here, even ghost written, is woefully poor. This sort of book is important and has its place, but that place is not on my bookshelves. And this sort of story can draw in a wider audience if told well; I have told my non-fiction counterparts in the program that I am happy to read nearly anything if it is written well, but if it's not, any topic can plummet to a dull thunk. This is what happened here.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken from the books slipcover synopsis. " On July 19, 2004, an amazing story, accompanied by incredible video footage, broke across network and cable news programs." Tina Zahn is the focus of the incredible video footage as well as the officers who saved her when she jumped off the bridge that day. The book is her story of what happened to get her to the point of jumping.
This book is heartbreaking on so many levels. Tina's clueless Mother who has never been and never will be a Mother is not the only problem but one of many. I do like how Tina finally opens her mind and eyes to see and feel she needs to let go of the toxic people in her life on her terms.
I highly recommend this book.

[Krissy Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bravery of this woman to tell her story is remarkable. Starting with abuse as a child to the final events that drove her to jump from a bridge, she shares it all. She helps us to see that burying wounds doesn’t help us get over things. They lay there as a foundation for all our other traumatic life events to rest upon. Each one we don’t overcome sits waiting to overcome us. Facing your past is vital to having a promising future.

[Ruth York · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't expect the book to come out quite as it did. Thought it was "simply" about severe postpartum depression. But the the author goes into full depth about her battles with depression, postpartum depression and her abuse as a child. Highly recommend for anyone suffering their own depression, or who has a loved one suffering, as it truly is a window into the darkness they are fighting.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an emotionally charged book that left me teary eyed, due to the disturbing subject matter, but, the story would have had a bigger impact had it been written with more personal insight. It seemed to merely skim through Tina's life. This would be a good book for those who suffer from any type of depression, to help them realize that they're not alone -and- for those who do not suffer from any type of depression, to help them understand what it is like for those who do suffer from depression. Especially helpful would be the Facts and Figures and Q & A sections in the back of the book with references for additional help. What I didn't like about this book was it's religious undertones. I think it's wonderful that Tina was able to recover from her postpartum depression with help from her religious community, and her faith in God, but I didn't much care for her message that she wouldn't have been able to recover without that. What hope does that leave for the non Christian?

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit voyeuristic, however at least here is a God saved my life story that acknowledges one of the ways he saved it was by getting her medication, not just prayer.

[Bettye Ohrem]

Was a very good book,

[Alicia Dreis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book simply was not for me. However, I think if you are a Christian, you may find a lot of inspiration in this book. I am not religious at all, so all of the religious talk throughout the book really did not resonate with me--and there's a lot of it in there. That's not to say this was a bad book, it just wasn't for me and it probably isn't for anyone who isn't Christian or at least religious in some sense. I did enjoy seeing Tina work her way out of her deep depression and it was also kinda neat seeing my hometown represented here. Again, for the right audience, this could be great. For me, it was just okay based on the religious aspects.

[Apryl Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having dealt with mental health issues myself, I decided to give this book a read when i found it at a thrift store recently. Overall, I enjoyed the book, although it could have been written better; it felt rushed at times. Zahn is brave for telling her story, and I applaud her for going through so much as a child and overcoming everything as an adult. It is truly an amazing story, and I finished the book in one sitting.

[Katherine Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard book to read - especially the first couple of chapters. I wanted to put the book back on the shelf - it was distressing. After that, the book was calmer. And hearing about someone try and talk about life with a serious depression may have been an education for me. But it wasn't a happy read. For a very small book it was a hard read. I was glad when it was done. Not sure I could recommend it to others because of those first couple of chapters.

[Eleanor Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

This autobiography is as much about the power of prayer and relentless loving support as it is about how utterly debilitating depression can be. Tina Zahn was miraculously rescued by a state trooper who grabbed her wrist right after she jumped off a bridge to end her life. She details the events that led up to her overwhelming dark despair and suicide attempt. Then she shares how she reclaimed her life through the love and care of many others. I’m glad this book had a happy, or at least, hopeful ending.

[Tebel Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this tumultuous account, I was tempted to jump as well. Some reviewers here claimed the book is too "preachy." It is not, and others should be sympathetic to the fact that faith in GOD plays an essential role in emotional healing for countless victims of abuse. Psychiatric meds only mask the symptoms. Faith addresses the cause and provides a lasting cure. It is a shame that so few pastors receive any professional training in Biblical counseling.

[Kay Schrock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was depressing for me until about 2/3 of the way through. An honest look at a childhood full of sexual and emotional abuse, but hard for me to read. The last quarter of the book is more hopeful, but overall I felt the author would've benefitted by waiting longer after her suicide attempt before writing memoir. Will not read again and likely not recommend.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read, and I certain!y feel for Tina. she dealt with a lot and came through it, after miraculously being saved from her suicide attempt.

Took a hard turn into religious territory though, which just isn't my cup of tea.

[Crystal M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a woman who experienced a lot of trauma at home as a child, abortions as a young adult and eventually PPD so bad it sets her over the edge. The fact that she is alive today is nothing short of a miracle.

[Jan Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw her interview on Ophra which led me to want to read her book.
Book tells her story living with postpartum depression and hitting her low point.
A must read as it gives you an understanding of postpartum depression and signs of sexual abusers.
Another book I highly recommend.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth

I read this book in a day and a half. Tina speaks her raw reality and the truth about her struggles. I did not have PPD nearly as bad, but to see her rise is a source of hope!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommend for anyone who is suffering from postpartum depression. Very inspiring read.

[Ann Singer-Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book carries such an important message about seeking help for post partum depression. I was disappointed that the book was so poorly written and also a bit preachy.

[Judy Zimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent along
Excellent

[Cornelia W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts where very hard to read.

[Heather Szondi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far too preachy. And that’s coming from a pastor’s kid.

[Shalom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read with some depth.

[Vikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad Tina was saved and got the help needed. I don't mean to judge, but there were a lot of things about her mother's actions (or inaction at times) that were disturbing.

[Alison Behling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of hope and overcoming. Difficult read due to the graphic explanations of her abuse

[katrina kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can change lives. Enough said!!!!

[Cailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a humble read. I’m grateful for her story. You will shed some tears for sure, but it’s such a crucial story to hear.

[Sara Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful story which challenges me to consider how I can help those around me who might be in a similar crisis.

[Harmony Muehlhauser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! Insightful on mental health issues. More focused on mental health as a whole, not so much PPD.