“Depression Is a Silent Killer”: Woman Seen Walking Barefoot Middle of Freeway Traffic, SA Moved

• A man shared a video of a woman walking in the middle of a busy freeway while traffic, fast cars passed by the busy road
• In a video shared on TikTok, a car followed behind her at a slow pace as if to protect her, but she did not appear to notice or turn back to check
• Social media users reacted with shock and sadness, wondering what the woman was going through and how she ended up on the freeway
• Briefly News had the pleasure of speaking with Penny Holburn, a psychologist, life, career and business coach, about the effects of depression.

In today's fast-paced world, we often forget that everyone is fighting their own battles, and sometimes, people need a kind word or a listening ear. It's always important to check on our loved ones whenever we can, as navigating this stressful life can sometimes lead to emotional struggles, even when we appear good on the outside.

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A TikTok user, @usengashintsha, shared a heartbreaking video that showed a woman walking in the middle of busy traffic as cars rushed by.

The woman moves in traffic barefoot

In the clip, the woman walks forward without looking back, seemingly without care or unaware of other cars around her. As she continues to walk down the freeway, a car follows slowly behind her, in a bid to ensure her safety.

TikTok user @usengashintsha also shared in the caption that the lady allegedly passed on after a car hit her in the freeway.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Ways to support those we suspect might be going through depression

We at Briefly News spoke with Penny Holburn, a psychologist, and life, career and business coach, we asked her how depression affects a person's judgement and decision-making. She responded:

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"Depression usually makes us see things in a more negative light than they really are.  With suicidal thoughts, the thinking and feelings are that life is no longer worth living.  If someone is walking about and doesn't look like they are going anywhere, they may be traumatised as well.

Life at that point is so overwhelming that they have to be mentally cut off from it. Your judgement and decision-making are not good when you are depressed."

When asked what a person should do if they see a person acting in a distressed or unusual way in public. Penny responded:

"The distressed person needs to get to a clinic or hospital emergency room as soon as possible.  If you see anyone severely depressed or traumatised and acting in such a dissociated way or suicidal, then a hospital is where you take them. 

Don't try and talk to them or talk them out of what is going on.  They need professional medical care and they need to be in a safe place where they can get it."

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We asked, how can families and communities support loved ones dealing with depression?

"There is a lot that can be done to deal with depression.  Understand that it is an illness, it is not possible to snap out of it, and the best thing (and the only thing really) is to get them into medical care where they can get professional treatment."

Mzansi debates the video of the woman

The video left social media users shocked and saddened, with many expressing their condolences and reflecting on the importance of checking up on each other in moments of need. The tragedy became a reminder that sometimes, we may not understand what others are going through, and offering support can make all the difference.

User @MakwaSandzi shared:

"She was definitely going through something, all she needed was someone lotomsita (to help her). Even by talking to her, bekatoba ryt ei as blacks let's teach ourselves to help, shem."

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User @piyobabe2 said:

"Depression is a silent killer 😔."

User @user4555941363021 added:

"Depression nkosi uze ube naye (Lord be with her) this is sad."

User @Nkhetha shared:

"Bathong we’re not ok😔."

User @LungiswaMakasi commented:

"I feel sorry for her family, they couldn't help her. May soul rest in peace 🙏. I want to say siyamdinga uThixo singomama ngoba kuningi (we need God as women because there's a lot we're dealing with)."

User @yvee asked:

"Why was she walking in the street?💔"

3 Briefly News stress-related articles

• A lady filmed her stressed friend crying in bed over mjolo heartbreak, then gave her a cider reminding her that she warned her not to date the guy.
• A young lady, popular on TikTok, shared an emotional clip pleading for a job to save money for a short course, revealing that social media fame doesn't guarantee an easy life.
• A young driver reacted nervously to a man's loud, panicked shout while reversing in a parking bay, leaving social media users in stitches.

Source: Briefly News