Equal and Unequal Beating Temperament System: The Greatest Achievement of My Life and My Itchen Bridge Survivor Story
I attempted suicide by sitting and pushing myself off the railing right next to the "Help Point" on Itchen Bridge in Southampton on Saturday 21st March 2026. I was rescued and rushed off to Southampton General Hospital to receive treatment for my physical health, where I spent two weeks fighting to survive. I made a swift recovery, then I admitted myself informally / voluntarily to an inpatient psychiatric facility called Priory Hospital Southampton, where I am currently staying and receiving treatment for my mental health.
I took this course of action due to ongoing overwhelming problems that are / were related to my family, relationships, jobs, physical health, and mental health. My circumstances are unique to me, but they cover a wide range of common problems that can affect anyone by pushing them to the edge of insanity.
It should not be possible for such a tragedy to take place at such a young age. Before I jumped, I sought help from multiple mental health services in Southampton, Eastleigh, and Winchester, but to no avail. The outcome was the same every time. I was in the same position again and again. More should be done to help people regardless of their background to seek practical help and support with tangible outcomes.
With regard to the safety measures on Itchen Bridge, my honest assessment is that they are abysmal. From what I can recall, only one side of the bridge is being reinforced with a fence, while the other side still has a railing and a 1-metre barrier, both of which facilitate, rather than prevent, suicide attempts. The height, accessibility, and design of Itchen Bridge on one side makes it one of the most attractive hotspots of all time for suicide attempts. Falling onto water is not the same as falling onto a hard surface, which can make the odds of surviving with minimal damage higher. The fact that a rescue service is in operation could encourage people to attempt suicide even more because they know that they are likely to be rescued / saved in the event of a botched attempt.
In my view, Itchen Bridge should be secured on both sides with 2-metre concrete blocks and barbed wire to prevent suicide attempts once and for all. Money should not matter in this case due to how dangerous Itchen Bridge really is for suicide attempts from first-hand experience.
Itchen Bridge should be used for transportation purposes, not for taking your own life.
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Roshan Kakiya
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