A suicide story with an incredible happy ending
It was just one question from a bus driver that saved this distraught student
I was heartbroken to receive a call from a great friend expressing that her most precious child had tried to commit suicide. She sobbed as she echoed that she hadn't seen the signs, her son was chasing an academic dream and out of nowhere the parents got a call no parent should ever receive. Under the pressure he didn't know how to reach out and tried to end it.
Read: Husband stops wife from committing suicide
A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted.
This footage from 2013 appeared by chance on my timeline today which shows a bus driver named Darnell Barton from New York who noticed a young student climb over a rail and looking at the cars below her contemplating suicide.
Also read: Bus driver traps thief in door, drives to police station
"Why don’t we come back over on the side of the rail? You look like you’re having a bad day, you know. Can I give you a hug”, the bus driver asked her. Luckily his volunteer firefighter and peacekeeper training on dealing with someone suicidal helped him to deal with the situation at hand.
The student held her hand out to him and stepped over the rail to safety. Darnell took the time to listen to her until officers arrived at the scene.
I love this bus driver. A real everyday hero who took the time to show love, care and interest in a perfect stranger.
Suicide prevention starts with recognising the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, do your best to talk to them openly about what they are feeling. Sometimes just letting someone know you are there for them can save a life.