Railway station worker rescues suicidal student

Listen to Damon talking more about suicide - how to prevent it and what warning signs to look out for in the podcast then read more below:

An increasing number of children, and young adults, are either attempting or committing suicide in South Africa.

In this day and age, we've got so many external stresses and triggers. We're exposed to so much trauma, crime, and violence, as well as a breakdown of family units.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around one million people worldwide die from suicide every year, and they predict that by 2020 this figure is likely to escalate to approximately 1.53 million people per year.

See: Fearless firefighter puts own life at risk to save suicidal woman

On Wednesday afternoon, a female college student tried to commit suicide by throwing herself in front of a train, but luckily she was stopped at the last possible moment by a worker with lightning fast reflexes.

The camera footage at the railway station shows the young girl lunge forward just as a train is about to enter the station. Without a moment's hesitation, a worker, who was on the platform at the same time, darted forward and grabbed the girl's arm just as she was about to jump right into the path of the oncoming train. 

The worker fell backwards and cracked the back of his head, but it would have been so worth the injury.

I asked clinical psychologist Dr Melissa Boulind, who runs her own private practice, why suicide happens, how to prevent it, and what signs to look for.

Take a listen to what she had to say here:

Melissa also explained what to do if you know someone that is suicidal:

Organisations like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) are around to assist those who are desperately seeking help because of depression and suicidal thoughts. If you know of someone who may require support with these issues, contact SADAG by visiting their website for more information or call their Suicidal Crisis Line on 0800 567 567.