Kevin Hines, a suicide prevention advocate and survivor of a Golden Gate Bridge jump, shares his powerful journey from despair to hope. He discusses the staggering impact of suicide on families and the importance of open dialogue around mental health. Kevin offers insightful strategies for recognizing signs of distress in loved ones and shares three crucial questions to ask those who may be struggling. His message emphasizes connection, support, and self-advocacy, aiming to inspire those in need of a lifeline.
Kevin Hines shares his personal journey of attempting suicide to emphasize the hidden struggles individuals face and the critical need for support.
The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing mental health challenges as brain health issues, reframing societal perceptions to eliminate stigma.
Listeners are encouraged to have open conversations about suicide, with practical advice on how to approach and support loved ones in distress.
Deep dives
A Life-Changing Attempt
The speaker recounts a tragic event from his past when he attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge at the age of 19. He had been struggling with mental health issues for years, feeling worthless and a burden to his family. Before jumping, he tried to mask his pain by assuring his family that he was fine, even writing a letter to express his love and seek forgiveness. This moment highlights the often-hidden struggles individuals face and the dangerous levels of despair they can reach without proper support.
The Critical Moment
During the bus ride to the bridge, the speaker experienced an emotional breakdown, filled with overwhelming despair and auditory hallucinations. Despite being surrounded by people, he felt completely isolated and unheard, illustrating how society often overlooks those in distress. When he reached the bridge, a fleeting moment of hope surfaced as he encountered a woman who didn't recognize his pain, leading him to believe that nobody cared. This perception of indifference contributed to his decision to jump, emphasizing the significance of reaching out and showing compassion to those in emotional turmoil.
A Miraculous Rescue
As he fell from the bridge, the speaker immediately regretted his actions and cried out for help, realizing he didn’t genuinely want to die. He hit the water and suffered severe physical injuries, leading to panic as he began to drown. However, in a miraculous turn of events, a sea lion circled beneath him, providing buoyancy until the Coast Guard arrived. This extraordinary experience underscores the role of unexpected events and support that can save lives, as well as the speaker's belief that he was meant to survive.
Addressing Brain Health
The speaker discusses the importance of recognizing mental health issues as brain health issues, moving away from the stigma often associated with mental illness. He emphasizes that suicidal thoughts should not be viewed as selfishness but rather as symptoms of a deeper struggle with brain pain. Moreover, he shares actionable strategies that can help maintain mental well-being through therapy, exercise, and healthy eating, which he has implemented into his daily life. By reframing the conversation around mental health, he aims to create a more supportive environment for those facing similar challenges.
Creating a Supportive Network
The speaker stresses the necessity of open conversations about suicide, encouraging individuals to check on friends and loved ones who may be struggling. He provides practical advice on how to broach the topic gently to help those in need feel safe and heard without feeling judged. By sharing his own experience, he highlights the importance of community in healing and understanding emotional pain. Ultimately, he urges everyone to take proactive steps to support one another, as no one is immune to these feelings of despair.
This is going to be DIFFICULT for some of you to hear. And that’s all the more reason to LISTEN.
Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world EVERY year… and the number continues to rise.
That means 800k+ of families and friends are impacted and left wondering, “WHY?”
Odds are, you or someone you love has been impacted by suicide. And so I am URGING you to SHARE this week’s episode with as many people as you can.
My guest, KEVIN HINES, knows more about suicide than most.
He tried to end his life by jumping off the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE when he was only 19 years old.
A jump like that kills virtually everybody who attempts it. But miraculously, Kevin survived. And today, YOU’LL GET TO HEAR HIS TRUTH.
Kevin’s story and his message will SAVE LIVES and this may be THE MOST meaningful discussions I’ve ever had. I can’t think of a more important topic to talk about than this one.
We’re going delve into the PAIN AND FEELINGS that surround suicide, how that pain leads to ACTION, suicide PREVENTION tips, GENETICS, and dealing with OUTSIDE NEGATIVE FORCES.
You’ll also hear Kevin’s THREE QUESTIONS you MUST ask if you think someone is NOT okay and may be thinking about suicide.
*If you are having a mental health emergency call 911 or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.
