Don't Jump

Sometimes, all it takes is a split second for someone to change their mind. That's the thinking behind the Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Deterrent System Study, at least -- they're looking into ways to make it a bit more challenging to make a terrible decision. When a person's freaking out -- what professionals call a "moment of crisis" -- a little intervention is all it may take to get their perspective back on solid footing. And considering that over a thousand individuals have said their goodbyes on the bridge since it went up, we could all benefit from a little more intervention.

There's skeptics who don't think a barrier will help; but mental health pros, like The Psychiatric Foundation of Northern California, are in favor of a barrier. We'll hear more this week, when the researchers present some wind-tunnel findings; but there's lots more work to do, as the study doesn't complete until 2008. Sign up on the study's website to get updates.