After Janai Norman Experienced a Mental Health Crisis, Getting a Diagnosis Helped Inspire Her New Memoir “Breaking” (Exclusive)

Janai Norman, the former co-anchor of ‘Good Morning America’, is set to release her memoir, titled *Breaking*, on 5 January 2027. The book delves into her personal journey navigating the complexities of motherhood, mental health, and the pressures of daytime television. In an exclusive interview, Norman emphasised the importance of sharing personal stories, particularly in the context of women’s experiences.

The memoir is rooted in Norman’s own life challenges, particularly a tragic period in late 2022. Shortly after she assumed her role as weekend co-anchor, she faced the loss of her paternal grandmother. Despite the overwhelming grief, she chose to cover a hurricane. Reflecting on her decision, Norman described it as “a really bad idea” in hindsight, acknowledging that she was ill-equipped to manage such burdens at that time.

The strain of her circumstances ultimately led to a mental health crisis. Following an evening when she experienced suicidal thoughts, Norman made the brave decision to seek help by checking herself into a psychiatric unit. This step resulted in a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and marked a significant turning point in her life, urging her to confront unresolved trauma.

In *Breaking*, Norman writes about the importance of understanding one’s worth beyond professional success. “It really helped me separate my worth from my work,” she shared, indicating that this realisation has transformed her relationship with various aspects of her life, including career and personal identity. The memoir provides insight into her evolution as a Black woman in a challenging industry, balancing family life while climbing the corporate ladder.

The book also chronicles her journey from her earlier days as a correspondent with NewsOne to her tenure at ABC. Despite parting ways with the daytime show, Norman expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that the platform provided. She noted that her relationship with the audience developed over time, reflecting her experiences in front of the camera. However, she admitted to longing for a farewell that acknowledged her connections with co-workers and viewers.

While *Breaking* touches on her experiences in the broadcasting industry, it is not intended to be a tell-all. Instead, Norman aims for the book to resonate with those who may be grappling with similar issues. Notably, the announcement of her memoir coincided with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, which she considers meaningful.

“Society has made considerable progress in discussing mental health,” she pointed out, yet there remains a significant stigma, particularly surrounding more severe mental health diagnoses. Norman discussed how her own experiences, including seeking hospitalisation, were pivotal in guiding her toward effective treatment. She expressed the need for open conversations about mental health to help demystify various types of therapy and encourage others to seek help.

Writing *Breaking* has proven to be a therapeutic undertaking for Norman. She noted that documenting her journey has reinforced a vital lesson: the importance of believing in oneself. “My hope is that those who read this book will reflect on their own moments of bravery and be inspired to embrace discomfort and take risks,” she shared.

As the release date approaches, *Breaking* is already available for preorder at various book retailers, offering readers a chance to engage with Janai Norman’s compelling narrative and insights into the multifaceted nature of her life. Norman’s story comes at a time when sharing experiences can serve as a source of strength for many, emphasizing that an individual’s journey is often interwoven with the collective experiences of others.