[Guest]

Today I witnessed a suicide. A middle-aged woman dressed in business attire jumped on the train tracks about 150 feet in front of me during rush hour. I have been thinking about her all day (I did not know her), how much she must have been suffering to believe this was her only option, and that given the time of day and her attire, she probably left the house as if she was going to work, her family probably had no idea. This thought was terrifying to me. Everyone gets depressed now and then, some need treatment. How does one know when the point has been reached that serious intervention for a loved one is needed (i.e., hospitalization), even if outpatient treatment is initiated? Although I did not know her or her family, it broke my heart to think of those who might have said goodbye to her that morning, not realizing it would be the last time they saw her and maybe didn't even realize the risk was there. Thanks.

[Guest]

It is unfortunate. Most people do have warnings and will tell family members or medical professionals. One can make an impulsive act with lethal consequences. I feel badly for the friends and family she left behind. In these situations, you get the feeling that the person really wasn't thinking clearly. Of course, in this instance, we will never know.
[quote] Today I witnessed a suicide. A middle-aged woman dressed in business attire jumped on the train tracks about 150 feet in front of me during rush hour... [/quote]