Fear Quote by Karen Greenbaum-Maya
““ Suicide by train is also popular in many developed countries. Without ready access to firearms, suicidal people often turn to trains. —Der Spiegel, July 27, 2011 Once it happens you can’t remember how you started out: innocent, barreling into the tunnel, shooting out at each station like a dolphin out of a dim green pool. Pneumatic doors inhale open, puff shut, lock with a solid thump. Up and down the line, fifty times a day, it’s a long slow song. You feel the rumble as much as hear it. In your dim green trance the words retain wonder: Vorsicht, Türe werden geschloßen. Caution, the doors are closing. Then the first time: someone decides darkness will answer, hides out in the tunnel, steps out in front of the train like he knows where he’s going, steps out at you, dying at you, knowing you can’t stop in time. Now each time the doors close, they seal you in. You are a human bullet shot into the tunnels, hoping no one will block the light far ahead, each station one minute’s reprieve.””
About This Quote
Source Magazine: Der Spiegel, July 27, 2011
The passage describes the allure and tragedy of train suicides, highlighting their prevalence where guns are less accessible and the sensory experience of the act.
In simple terms: Train suicides are common where guns aren’t.
Key Takeaway
Recognize mental health signs and improve prevention.
Themes
suicide
mental health
public safety
transportation
societal factors
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
informative
empathic
When to use this quote
- public health policy
- transport safety
- mental health outreach
- community support
Key Concepts
psychology
urban design
media portrayal
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives can reduce train suicides?
- How does media coverage affect public perception?
A Different Perspective
Stigma may hinder open discussion of suicide.
