Renowned Suicide-Prevention Advocate Promotes Self-Care
Kevin Hines, who survived a suicide attempt, shares his message of hope and healing
Mental health advocate Kevin Hines, who once tried to end his life, was at Sacred Heart University recently to talk with students and faculty about self-care and wellness. Now an award-winning filmmaker, best-selling author and world-renowned suicide-prevention proponent, Hines shared his own story of survival in a presentation called “The Art of Wellness.”
He related how, in 2000, at age 19, he attempted to take his life by jumping off San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. After miraculously surviving the fall, he started down a long road of recovery, acceptance and self-preservation, and now he shares his experience and lessons with others. “You can do two things with your pain: break down, or build yourself back up,” he said.
Hines asked the audience to observe a moment of silence for all those who have lost their lives to suicide. Then he began telling his story, which included time in foster care, his connection to family and his teenage struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Hines detailed the day of his attempted suicide. He said that, immediately after jumping from the bridge, he felt a great sense of regret and managed to turn himself so he would land in the water legs first, just barely avoiding a fatal spinal injury. He said many factors contributed to his survival, including a sea lion that kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. Hines describes the sea lion’s presence as God answering his prayer to live.
Hines ‘was so intense’
Audience members found his presentation startling and moving. “It was so intense, and yet I couldn’t help but listen,” said Amber Martinez, a graduate student in SHU’s School of Communication, Media & the Arts. “He held so much power within his words.”
After the presentation, audience members raised questions about talking to teens regarding mental health, finding closure after traumatic events and working with loved ones on effective mental health practices.
Hines emphasized the importance of developing an open dialogue with family and friends to ensure they feel a sense of security and belonging in their relationships. “Talking about suicide is the only way to actually prevent suicide,” said Hines. He outlined three questions to ask loved ones: “Are you thinking of killing yourself? Are you planning on killing yourself? Do you have the means?” He said using specific vocabulary is important when asking the questions.
Presented as part of the student affairs lecture series, Hines’ story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder to love life. “I have transformed my life from being one of a sufferer, to the hero of my own journey,” he said.
Hines travels the world to share his story of hope, healing and recovery while teaching people of all ages about wellness, survival and resilience. In 2013, he released his memoir, Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt. More recently, he produced a documentary entitled Suicide: The Ripple Effect.
According to his website, his mantra is, “Life is a gift; that is why they call it the present. Cherish it always.” His motto is, “Be here tomorrow and every day after that.” He encourages people to visit his website, which has numerous resources and videos created to continue the conversation about positive mental health.
If you are in the United States and you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also reach SHU’s Wellness Center at (203)371-7955.