Some absolutely heart-thumping footage has emerged on social media of a woman saving the life of a suicidal man.
The woman is seen walking past a distressed man on the platform of a small train station in the UK. The man was shouting and gesturing as he speaks, visibly upset and agitated. The woman takes note of him, but continues on with her husband and small child. Suddenly, the man throws his phone down and turns toward the track.
Spotting a train speeding toward them, the man heads towards the tracks in what appeared to be an attempt to leap in front of the train to end his life. But the woman is not about to let him do that. She sees exactly what is going on and launches herself at him, pulling him away from the tracks, and almost certain death. It was a beautiful act of courage, compassion and wholehearted selflessness.
The clip has since gone viral, retweeted over 20,000 times.
https://twitter.com/invisibleman_17/status/953653231317606400
“It’s so sad when some of us have to live suffer like this, humanity needs to step up like this woman who saved him from certain death,” one person tweeted in response to the footage.
Others recognized their need to keep their eyes open to the needs of others. “What a wonderful person. It has made me think that I need to step out of my comfort zone more to help others,” one user tweeted.
What is amazing about the clip is that she cared enough to come back. If she hadn't done that… he wouldn't be here. https://t.co/CGHVKvprRa
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) January 18, 2018
One person commented on the skill and presence of mind the woman demonstrated in what was a split-second decision: “She could so easily have been pulled in to certain death. She leaned back enough to overcome his heavier body weight and inertia. Incredible split second technique and bravery. She is amazing!”
Some have appeared to question the woman’s actions, saying that it was his decision to end his own life. But another person was quick to point out that many of those who have attempted suicide say they immediately regretted it.
“Several people who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge were later interviewed and they said they regretted it the second their feet left the ground,” one user wrote on Reddit.
“Depression is a disease where the best medicines are kindness, compassion, and positive experiences. That said, if you are depressed or suicidal, and have access to a doctor/psychologist, take the medicine. It can easily save your life.”
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in a mental health crisis, you can call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.