If you saw suicide happening in front of you (stranger), would you try to prevent it?

[R_N]

This is a tough one for me. I would probably go for a save which is actually selfish thing to do but seeing someone struggling makes me uncomfortable and I feel sorry for the person. But if I really felt sorry I wouldn't do anything right? It is a tough situation because you don't even know this person or their reasons.

 

[CynicalHopelessness]

I'd say that I'd go away if he/she wants me to, and if not, ask if he/she wants to talk about something. If nothing else, I could probably just describe SN method - most suicides where I leave are by jumping or by metro train.

 

[Lostbetweenworlds]

I would offer to talk to that person.. sometimes that's all someone needs in that situation.. specially in public.. I guess you have people who are more determined who ensure that they aren't found.. someone who does it out in public is probably doing it impulsively so I would try to talk them out of it..

 

[TimeToBiteTheDust]

I will give him/her on of my SN bags.

 

[Soulless_Angel]

TBH it would depend on the situation, I would NEVER encourage them out of it, yet on the flip side I would NEVER encourage them to do it, I would just offer to listen, and if they didn't want to talk, I would just sit with them and allow silence to flow, until the next path showed itself, whether that's threw them going through with their plan, or threw help turning up.
Whichever I would try and have some footage to prove what was going on, as I sure as hell wouldn't want them to go through with it and I be done for encouraging it!!

 

[MysticPerception]

That really depends. If I see them using a method that will definitely work and seems well planned out I would probably ask them if they have any doubts. If they say yes I would talk to them if they say no I would just wish them luck and tell them I hope their suffering ends with this and leave them. However if I see someone about to jump off of a bridge into cold water I'm going to warn them that's going to hurt like all hell and you're going to break every bone in your body and slowly drown so you're gonna want to hold off unless you absolutely need to go right now. If they seem dead set on going and won't listen to reason I would just tell them to make sure they go head first into the water if they can to die faster.

 

[TAW122]

I would not interfere unless it is obvious that the person will fail, in which case I would try to talk him/her out of it, just so that the person would not end up with permanent injuries or damage. I would never actively physically stop the person from CTB'ing, because that may make things worse, or it is possible that I may also get hurt in the process.

If I was a mandated reporter (teacher, counselor, professional, etc.), then I would just do what I need to legally do to avoid legal and professional trouble, and I would do everything I can first to avoid having to resort to intervention and only intervention as an last resort. By that I mean, like being direct and straightforward. For example (see below):

TAW122: As a mandated reporter (teacher, counselor, medical professional), if you are at risk of imminent harm to yourself, or others, then "legally" I am required to intervene, which includes notifying law enforcement, other medical professionals, and/or authority. I would however recommend making a safety contract to ensure that you will be safe.
Patient: I understand.

Depending on what the patient or person does, it will determine the next steps. If the patient still goes forward, even with giving him/her the hint at possibly breach of confidentiality due to the danger law, then I would be required to take action (even if I don't like it). If the patient retracts and plays it off, then I would only do what I need to do while meeting the legal criteria but also keeping the patients' interests at heart (it's very difficult and not many counselors and professionals do that).

Mind you, I would never intend to be a mandated reporter as my career path is unlikely to go in professions that would make me a 'mandated reporter'. This is just a hypothetical scenario of what I may do if I am in that situation.

 

[Broken Chimera]

I would offer to listen if I think they have doubts, but if I'm sure their going through with it I'll leave them alone. There was a time where I would talk to people I knew wanted to do it and try to talk them out of it. But after coming here I felt like a hypocrite for doing that for as long as I did. I can only offer a listening ear now to at least show that I care.

 

[HopeDiesLast]

Yes, I would try to intervene. I figure that if they were 100% serious about wanting to ctb they wouldn't be doing it out in public where people are likely to stop them.

 

[Shinbu]

Yeah I would save a little kid in any situation. Be it a car about to run over them. I'll save them I don't care what happens to me.

 

[Eren]

I would offer to talk to that person.. sometimes that's all someone needs in that situation.. specially in public.. I guess you have people who are more determined who ensure that they aren't found.. someone who does it out in public is probably doing it impulsively so I would try to talk them out of it..

Exactly, each person is free of CTB, but I think the decision must be reasoned, and not by impulsivity. IMHO

 

[MarkForres]

Yes I would stop them, but purely out of curiosity. I'd want to know their life story, their thoughts, triumphs, failures, and legacy. I'd do this for anyone and everyone in this situation because I believe that ctb when you know at least one person cares enough to remember you is much easier. Peace of mind and all that. I wouldn't want to be forgotten and I sure as hell am not going to let anyone else be if I can help it.

 

[LadyAlastor]

It would depend on the situation really if it was a child I would tackle that kid into the floor. if it was anyone else I would least want to know why.

 

[WhyIsLife56]

I wouldn't stop them.

 

[Nem]

I'd try to talk with them and see where they are coming from. I think it's natural to want to help someone
Peace/hugs

 

[Roro90]

I would stop them

 

[Quarky00]

Instinctively, yes .. I'm pro-choice but can't control this :|
Especially if it's imminent. I'll do my best to talk rather than stop.

* 'Suicidal ideation' is different, quite the opposite, I'd agree with them

 

[1DayItWillBover]

Ya

 

[Nnana]

I think that any person who is rational enough to make the decision to die has a right to die. With the exception of extreme mental illness, I think I would not interfere. But to say, I think many people with depression are rational enough to make the decision.

 

[SugarbushMtn]

Not all all, their choice and I know how they feel.