Kevin Hines survived a suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge. In this deeply personal conversation with Shane Seo, Kevin shares the childhood trauma, bipolar disorder, mental-health crisis and instantaneous regret that changed the course of his life—and ultimately turned him into a leading suicide-prevention advocate.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remember those we have lost, support suicide-attempt and loss survivors, encourage honest conversations about mental health, and remind anyone struggling that help and hope are available.

Kevin takes us inside his journey from childhood poverty, foster care and adoption to receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis at 17. He describes the crisis he experienced at 19, his survival, physical and emotional recovery, and the family members and medical professionals who helped him rebuild his life.

But this episode is about much more than surviving the Golden Gate Bridge. Kevin and Shane discuss how to recognize a possible mental-health crisis, how to ask someone directly if they are considering suicide, why compassionate human connection can save lives, and what friends and families can do when someone they love is struggling.

Kevin also discusses the Golden Gate Bridge suicide-deterrent net, the power of caring letters, his marriage to Margaret Hines, his daily mental-wellness practices and his work as an author, filmmaker and global mental-health advocate.

His message is simple:

Keep going.

Be here tomorrow.

You are valued. You are worthy. You matter.

Please share this conversation with someone who may need to hear it.

CONTENT NOTICE

This episode contains an open discussion of suicide, suicidal thoughts, suicide loss, childhood trauma, addiction and mental illness. Please watch with care. Some details may be difficult or triggering for certain viewers.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP

United States: Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at:

https://988lifeline.org

If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services in your area.

Crisis Text Line:

• United States: Text HOME to 741741

• Canada: Text 686868

• United Kingdom: Text 85258

• Ireland: Text 50808

https://www.crisistextline.org

Outside the United States, find a verified crisis helpline in your country:

https://findahelpline.com

You do not have to wait until a crisis becomes unbearable to reach out. Support is available, and asking for help is a sign of strength.