I just saved someone’s life…

[Difficultfemale]

Ok not just, but this morning. Was on the way to work, brilliant mood, high vibe tunes in the car, driving over a motorway bridge and noticed a man stood looking over the railings. On a closer look he had cans of alcohol around his feet and was stood on the bottom rung rather than the pavement. I just knew.

Stopped in the road and wound down my window to speak to him, but as I was doing this he started to climb over. Adrenaline kicked in and before I knew it I’d jumped out of my car, left it with the engine running in the middle of the road, doors open, and was running over. He was completely on the other side of the railings when I got to him. Gripped him and somehow managed to pull him over the railings. He was clearly under the influence of many, many, substances as he just wanted to ‘fly’ and was fighting the whole time. At this point I was feeling a bit out of my depth, to say the least. Unable to let go, unable to call police, I had clearly not thought this through and the panic was setting in quickly. I was screaming for help (rush hour traffic) and luckily, after what felt like an age, a man stopped to help and rang the police. The relief I felt on seeing him was immense! Luckily we managed to keep him safe until the police came but it felt like forever. I’ve had a courtesy call to let me know that thankfully he’s in a mental health suite and getting the help he needs.

Anyone else have a similar story they can share? And/or advice on how to deal with it, if (god forbid) I, or anyone else here, ends up in a similar situation ever again?

Thank goodness you were there and acted so swiftly.
💞 Take care of yourself. I believe I've heard you should be able to access a counselling/debriefing via the police? Please ask.

I hope he gets the help he needs.
Take care of yourself OP, that must have been quite a frightening experience for you xx

That's incredible, well done

Yes, very well done OP. I agree you could think about a bit of counselling, I'm sure the police would help with that.

OP, you've done an amazing thing. You should be proud of yourself that your instincts took over. That man has another chance because of you. Maybe when he finds out a random stranger saved him it will be the trigger he needs to turn things around.

And agree with this. Definitely get some support to help process it

you hero 💐

Well done @Difficultfemale thats amazing. You really should be incredibly proud of yourself.

I don’t know if there’s anything in this but that sounds really terrifying OP:
https://theconversation.com/can-playing-tetris-help-prevent-ptsd-if-youve-witnessed-something-traumatic-226736

Online Tetris - https://tetris.com/games-content/play-tetris-content/index-mobile.php

well done and hope you’re okay xx

That’s amazing, OP. You did brilliantly in very difficult circumstances.

Do you have an Employee Assistance Programme? If so, I would start there for some help and support in processing what happened.

Well done and agree with others that this will hit you later. You did amazingly, donate sure you're ok too.

Amazing OP. It sounds like you were so brave. The shock might set in over the next few days so do take care of yourself.

You sound like a lovely human being. People in your life are lucky 🍀

Well done, it's so lucky you passed when you did.

A huge shock though, take care and access support to process. Don't underestimate the shock impact.

Oh my goodness OP I've just got chills reading that! You are incredible for doing that, and you should be so proud of yourself that you have supported someone to get the help they need, as, not under the influence, his intentions might have been something entirely different.

Please look after yourself too, as this is something big, and may take time to process.

Oh well done. Thank you!

Ooo thank you@Cheepcheepcheep downloading Tetris now!

Well done you! I had a similar life affecting/saving moment about 20 years ago and I would strongly recommend you see someone to debrief/rationalise/take stock of what happened. Unfortunately I didn’t and it still pops up out of nowhere like a movie I don’t want to watch when I’m least expecting it. These massive moments have a habit of staying with us if we don’t take care to store them away properly. Look after yourself these next few days and don’t be surprised if your sleep goes to shit - the Adrenalin take a awhile to settle back down.

That is amazing. Well done indeed. I would say be gentle to yourself as you have handled a massive situation. I send hugs to you without a doubt!

You did a fantastic thing, all the good instincts kicked in and you were brilliant. What we’d all hope to be in that situation.

But, as others have said, strange things could start happening in your head in the next week or so. If you work for a large company check and see if they have any mental health first aiders, they will have some strategies can help nip things in the bud before they get set in.

You did an amazing thing OP but, yes ask your employer if they have a counselling scheme. Many moons ago I was first on scene at a serious collision, the outcome wasn't good and it took me many, many years to come to terms with what I saw and had to do that day (counselling wasn't a thing back then). Please take care of you too

You didn't just save one life, you probably saved many. The risk of suicide increases significantly in those who are bereaved by suicide. You also prevented the massive trauma to those who would have been affected had this chap gone over, and potentially other deaths as a result of any collisions that occurred too.

Please do look after yourself in the coming hours/days, possibly longer. If you feel you need to talk, you can call Samaritans or your local Mind and talk openly and confidentially.

You’ve done an amazing and very courageous thing today. Suicide is like a bomb going off and the reverberations can go on through the generations. You’ve probably spared a lot of people a huge amount of pain.

My mum took her life in a public place and I will always wonder if something as simple as a kind word or a smile might have saved her. It’s life-affirming to know that people like you exist.

Would echo what other posters have said about taking care of yourself - and to bear in mind that the effects of such a shock can take a while to become apparent.

Not quite the same situation but I did need to use a defibrillator on a stranger in Tesco about 10 months ago. I cried for quite a long time afterwards, part relief, part stress/shock I think.
That man will have friends/family who may well be exceptionally grateful for the help you gave him.
Hope you have some time for a bit of R & R!!! Xx

Thank you all for your messages, I’m blown away by your words. Went straight to work and got on with my day so I’m sure it’s not processed yet. I’m actually in therapy already for unprocessed past trauma, which has helped me massively. I have a tendency, like a lot of women, to put others before myself most of the time and I then minimise my actions. Lots to catch my therapist up on tomorrow!