RUSSIA Apparently mentally ill man stepped onto the balcony of his apartment on the 8th floor of a residential building. He began behaving completely erratically, urinating on passersby and throwing his feces at them. He then jumped down holding an umbrella, believing it would act as a parachute. Unfortunately, he did not survive the fall.
The incident highlights how far mental illness can go if untreated. In some more traditional countries, such as Russia, there is a stigma around seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist, as people fear being labeled “crazy.” In reality, a mental health professional is just a doctor for the mind, and visiting one is as normal as seeing a physician for a broken knee.
Aftermath photo
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
