Phoenix Police Stop Man From Jumping To His Death: Watch

PHOENIX, AZ — A man got another shot at life after a group of Phoenix police officers banded together to let him know how much he matters.

It was Valentine's Day when Phoenix officers were called to the Interstate 10 overpass at 51st Avenue, according to a post on the Phoenix Police Department's Facebook page. When they arrived, they found a man sitting on top of the protective fence that lines the sides of the bridge.

Police over the weekend released the gripping body camera footage from the call. It shows officers speaking with the man, who at one point is called "Armando." They learned he had no family and that he was going through tough times.

"Everything begins with a first step onto this side," one officer told the man in Spanish.

After 15 minutes of conversation, one officer finally convinced the man to climb down.

Several breathtaking moments later, the man was on the bridge. He and the officer embraced, both men overcome with emotion.

"It's good," the officer told the man as he held him. "Everything is good."

Watch the full video here.

Nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic, the mental health of Americans continues to feel the negative effects of stress, isolation and other burdens compounded by the virus.

A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that surveyed nearly 5,500 adults this past June revealed that 1 in 4 respondents ages 18 to 24 had considered suicide within the past month. It also found a similar number had started or increased substance use because of the pandemic.

In another report, Mental Health America also found that between April and September of last year, 70 percent of people reported loneliness or isolation as the top contributing factor to mental health issues. Isolation is the actual separation from others, while loneliness is the accompanying feeling.

We can all help prevent suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides free and confidential 24-hour support.

Call the hotline at 800-273-8255.