According to a new study from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, suicide rates are on the rise - especially among women.

Sadly, it's comparable to the national levels that have surged to their highest in nearly 30 years. Like the national trend, rates of women committing suicide have risen in the city.

A study by the Health Department found that women have died by suicide at an increasing rate over a 14-year period.

One troubled woman almost became a part of that heartbreaking statistic when she climbed the rafters of a subway platform...

A man had been standing on the subway platform when he heard her uttering something that sent alarm bells off in his mind.

The young woman walking past him must have truly believed the terrible things she was saying because, as he watched, she climbed 20 feet up into the beams above the subway platform.

Seeing what she was about to do, the man followed her across the beam. The good Samaritan carefully approached the suicidal woman and began the process of talking her out of jumping.

Witness Michal Klein, of Hoboken, N.J., spotted the two when she heard the woman utter some heartbreaking words:

"The only thing I overheard was the young girl saying nobody cares about her," said Klein.

Police soon arrived and moved people away from the scene. They were able to safely bring the young woman down and bring her to an ambulance.

"I just hope that she gets help," Klein said.

If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, dial 1-800-273-8255 to speak with a support worker. The Lifeline is free and available to anyone 24/7.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, to learn more about the national network and crisis prevention, visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

[h/t NY Daily News / dnainfo]