A True Story: How did I try to stop a 12 y/o girl from committing suicide
I thought a lot about whether I should share or keep it to myself. I am not entirely sure since it was a very intense moment. However, everyone has this kind of moment in their life at least once. That’s why I want to open my heart and share my learning with you.
Below, you’ll find the notes from the incident on a summer day. It was a special day in my company — we call it Spirit Day — a day dedicated to learning, wellness, and bonding. We leave our daily jobs for a day and focus on ourselves. So it was our spirit day, and I went to pilates class. Please read the rest of the story from the lines I wrote that day.
“About 1 hour ago, I had to help a 12 y/o girl not to end her life. I am still shaking and have a big headache, but it is best to share the story.
I was driving way back home after my pilates class. The car ahead of me started to slow down on the bridge, then it stopped. Whilst I was trying to understand why he’d stopped. I saw a movement on the bridge. A girl at the top of the handrails and two ladies were holding her. Then I realised the girl was trying to jump off the railway and these two women ( small and weak compared to me) tried to stop her.
I am new in the UK and still trying to get social rules and legal details. And this situation makes me vulnerable sometimes. Whilst the voice in my heart was forcing me to go and help, my conscience was telling me if this situation was a total scam and these people might be a gang and rob me.
I was slowly moving, had stopped the engine. I hid my mobile, opened the window, and loudly asked if anyone had called the police. A voice said yes. However, I couldn’t know how long it would take before the police came, so I got off my car. I was still making slow moves. The guy from the car in front of me said he did not want to touch the young girl. So, it turned out the women around should save the girl.
I am aware, a suicide attempt is a very delicate situation, and none of the unspecialised people -like me- can manage the case. But it is also an emergency case, so we need to save some time before the police come.
I approached the girl, introduced myself, and asked her to look at me; I didn’t ask why or who. I’ve spoken about the town we live in and the weather. For 30 seconds, I’ve contacted her; she kept her eyes on me, listened to me. Then lost her attention again, staring down at the rails.
Then one more time, she tried to release herself from the other women’s hands; she was literally slipping away. I’ve scared to death, caught her shoulder pull her down, but she was strong. She was too strong; I couldn’t believe how human power works; she locked herself up to her aim. Whatever happens, she didn’t give up.
I do not know how long this battle took. I lost track of time; I do not know if it was minutes or seconds. A guy approached, he told he is a neighbour tried to hold the girl tighter than anyone else around. Another battle began, cos the girl started to kick the guy. Afterwards, another man came and got some of the kicks for himself.
And yet, there were no police around. After kicking two guys, she got tired a bit, got slower. Fortunately, the guys took control. Since I am no longer used there, I thought it was best to leave and pray for this little girl. On my way back, I saw the police car just 2 min away, and its sirens were making everyone deaf.
It was #spiritday today, and I believe there is a reason I had this moment in my life, especially on this particular day.
Life is full of moments, and each moment is a learning opportunity.
Conclusion
It is not a story about me and being a hero for someone; it is a story about being “us.”
While I was leaving the scene, I had overheard another local lady talking to police on the line; she said, “Some of us trying to save her” that moment, I understood one more time that each of us is a part of ONE because WE ARE ONE.
Whether we are aware of it or act upon it, we have a role in this big scene like everyone else. You need to make your move!
Rosie, I hope you feel better now; you have a long life to live!
