Why Did She Jump?: My Daughter’s Battle with Mental Illness

There is one day in Joan Childs' life that she wishes she could do over: the day her daughter, Pam, a brilliant psychotherapist, plunged from a 15-story building to her death. In this vivid memoir, Childs, a psychotherapist, explains how her daughter's life was taken by the most unforgiving of executioners: bipolar disorder. It was the delusions, not her daughter, who made the final decision to end her life.

Why Did She Jump? provides an intimate, uncompromising look into one mother's search for peace, understanding, and clarity amid the chaos surrounding her daughter's tragic death. It is a masterful recounting of the events leading up to her suicide and lifts the veil of shame and secrecy as it forges a path toward understanding mental illness.

Even though Pam and Joan were skilled therapists, Pam could not be saved. Joan recounts vivid memories of Pam's life, the highs and lows, the red flags; how her daughter healed unreachable patients while she unraveled; and how she fooled everyone into thinking she was stable.

With searing honesty and great insight, Childs offers a rallying cry of support for anyone going through a similar struggle.

© 2025 Joan E. Childs (Audiobook): 9798260877630

Release date

Audiobook: 20 November 2025