A small moment of noticing made a big difference

While out on a walk, Cathy* noticed a woman standing alone on a bridge. Something about the situation made her pause. She’d usually expect someone in that area to have something with them - a bag, car keys, something - but she noticed the woman had nothing with her. Combined with a pensive expression, the whole situation felt ‘off’ to Cathy.

Cathy remembered from taking the ZSA Suicide Awareness Training that when something feels “off”, it’s worth slowing down and paying attention.

“The thing that stuck with me from the training was noticing what wasn’t there. No bag, no keys, nothing. Anyone walking through that area would normally have something with them.”

She kept a respectful distance at first, observing quietly so she didn’t step into a situation she didn’t yet understand. When she approached and asked if she was okay, the woman didn’t want to talk or make eye contact. Cathy gently let her know she would stay nearby for a moment, and the woman didn’t object.

Balancing her own safety with concern for the woman, Cathy tried to find a small point of connection. Cathy discovered they both had children of a similar age, and that simple, everyday topic helped open-up the conversation.

As they talked, the woman slowly shifted her posture, turning towards Cathy and becoming more grounded in the moment. Cathy suggested they walk together, linking arms, and soon spotted a bench where they could sit.

From there, the conversation deepened. Cathy asked gentle questions about who might be at home, who might be worried about her, and who cared about her wellbeing. Bit by bit, the woman shared that she had a husband. She also shared that she’d felt suicidal previously.

When Cathy asked whether she could call someone for her, the woman handed over her phone. Cathy used her own phone to call the woman’s husband who arrived within minutes. Later, Cathy received a message from the woman’s mother, thanking her for stopping, noticing and caring.

Reflecting on the experience, Cathy said:

“I’m glad I stopped that day and was able to help. Had I not done the training, I probably wouldn’t have even noticed. I would have just carried on walking.”

*Names have been changed at the request of the person sharing their experience, and a stock image has been used to protect privacy.

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