Why I Jumped

My True Story of Postpartum Depression, Dramatic Rescue, & Return to Hope

By: Tina Zahn, Wanda Dyson

Narrated by: Rebecca Gallagher

If I could make it to the bridge, the pain would stop. I just had to make it to the bridge, and the hopelessness would end.

It became a refrain, running over and over in my head as I raced down the highway. Make it to the bridge, and the pain will end. It's hopeless. Just wanna die. Make it to the bridge.

When I finally reached the highest point of the Tower Drive Bridge, I pulled over and stopped the car. I was so calm, so sure. I knew this was the right thing to do, and there was peace as I opened the door, stepped out, and walked around my car toward the guardrail.

As I reached the concrete barrier, I heard someone calling out to me.

"Ma'am! Ma'am!"

I ignored him as I took a deep breath...and jumped.

©2006 Tina Zahn and Wanda Dyson (P)2006 Oasis Audio LLC, under arrangement with Revell, publisher of the printed book version

Awesome story

An eye opener to see into the face of depression and know you survived. Great book.

Helped me understand

This is the intense, harrowing story of the author's struggle with depression and her personal demons that triggered it. The story is exceptionally well written and equally well read. It helped me to better understand and empathize with issues I normally wouldn't be able to. I found the author's utilization of her faith and support group in coming to terms with her demons and subsequent recovery especially moving. I strongly recommend this book for an understanding of the pain of depression and child abuse. Kudos to the author as well for sharing her story.

Excellent Job!

I don't hear the accent mentioned above..I think the narrator did a fantastic job...This book was an excellent read! What a great source of strength for those who are suffering similarly. The story is told in a clear way..easy to understand if you're feeling foggy...I highly recommend this...

it's an amazing, heartbreaking but inspiring story

I suffered from PPD 13 years ago when I had my son and I haven't fully recovered, so I can totally relate to her. I actually only purchased this book because someone left a review saying it was too religious for them. I'm a "newer" believer, so that review inspired me. I can remember a time when I would have rolled my eyes the first mention of God, turned it off then mumbled about how I wasted my money, however today when I listened to it, I felt like I was living it with her. I do have to admit that she gets graphic when talking about her childhood. I couldn't listen to some of the talk about her childhood. it was tooooo much for me to handle. I finally found a memoir that didn't revolve around women that were grieving for their "single" or career- oriented lives then eventually coping with the inconveniences of the mommy world and getting over it within a few months or just a year or so. this woman truly struggled for years and tried everything possible just like I have. this woman made her life around her babies, she didn't work her babies into her life so her story was completely relatable. it really touched my heart. thank u Tina. I recommend this book to anyone struggling w ppd even if u aren't a believer. if you aren't a believer, you will at least know you aren't alone when it comes to what you are feeling and thinking. if you are a believer, it will touch your heart even more!!

Very Honest!

This book is very clear and concise regarding what the author is going through. It helps me to better understand what was going on with post partum depression. It also gave a clear account of the childs perspective on child sexual abuse. This book will help many feel less alone.

I highly recommend this book to women and men.

A Truthful Journey

This book is riveting from its inception. Absolutely riveting and incredibly raw and valuable!

Why I jumped

– I though was a good incite into just how the ‘black dog’ can lurk around and become anyone’s friend. I thought the writer look some risks in telling her story so truthfully and I really admire this. It is also bloody great to know that people can stand by the mentally unhealthy; truth is it could be their turn tomorrow. This is not like drugs that you take optionally it’s more like loving a dog with all our heart – it biting someone – and coming to terms with having to deal with killing it. It even touches on the denial and the will to get through one hour at a time. People have all sorts of huge plans in life but have your world do a 360 and then you really get real. I also appreciate that the majority of the book didn’t focus on the children and the effect it had on them. I think most readers who choose this book would because they have empathy with the depressant. No depressant needs to then have their misfortunes become double burdened by learning how they change the life of a child. No parent wants to hurt there children. It is only the self-inflicted drug uses and drinkers that need that shoved in their faces.

Wish I'd Read it Instead

The story is heartbreaking of course, but I couldn't tolerate the narrator or her accent. I know the Wisconsin accent fits the author's background, but it grated on me so much I itched. If I had read the book instead, I'm sure I would have been riveted.

too much church

too much Christianity for me may work for some
not for me. not warned.