From Hopelessness to Helping Others: Kevin Hines’ Survival Story
Kevin Hines’ story is one of hope, resilience, and transformation in the face of unimaginable despair. In 2000, at just 19 years old, Kevin was battling intense depression and bipolar disorder. He felt trapped by a persistent internal dialogue of hopelessness and unworthiness. Despite being under psychiatric care and receiving medication, he felt that the weight of his mental illness was too much to bear. He believed he was a burden to his loved ones, and he decided to end his life.
On September 25, 2000, Kevin made his way to the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most notorious locations for suicide attempts. He walked along the bridge, struggling with his emotions and hoping that someone might notice his distress and intervene. In his mind, he desperately wished that someone would ask if he was okay—a sign that his life still mattered.
But no one did. Kevin eventually climbed over the railing and, in a moment of overwhelming despair, let go. As soon as he jumped, he felt instant regret. He realized in those few seconds of free fall that he did not want to die and that he still had so much to live for. Miraculously, Kevin survived the 220-foot drop, hitting the water feet first and sustaining serious injuries. His fall was slowed slightly by a random gust of wind, and the impact, while severe, wasn’t fatal. He later described those moments in the water, desperately trying to stay afloat despite shattered vertebrae, as a fight for his life.
While Kevin was struggling in the cold, turbulent waters, a sea lion appeared beneath him, nudging him to the surface and keeping him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. This bizarre yet heartwarming encounter gave Kevin the support he needed until help arrived. When the Coast Guard pulled him out of the water, Kevin’s first words were that he was glad to be alive.
The recovery that followed wasn’t easy—Kevin faced months of physical rehabilitation and an ongoing battle with his mental health. But surviving the jump marked a turning point. For the first time, he fully understood that his suicidal thoughts didn’t reflect the reality of his worth or his potential to find peace and happiness. He began a long journey of therapy, self-discovery, and healing, committing to managing his bipolar disorder and learning new coping mechanisms for his depression.
Kevin’s survival led him to a new purpose in life: sharing his story to help others who feel like they’re at the end of their rope. He became a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, traveling across the world to speak about his experiences. Kevin emphasizes the importance of human connection and the life-saving power of asking others if they’re okay. He often speaks about the “signs” he was looking for on that fateful day on the bridge—how even a simple gesture of concern might have been enough to change his mind.
Through his advocacy, Kevin seeks to reduce the stigma around mental illness and encourage people to reach out for help before they reach a crisis point. He believes that, like him, many people who consider taking their own lives are searching for reasons to live, not reasons to die. He shares his message with the goal of giving those who are struggling a sense of hope and the realization that they are not alone.
Kevin has since authored books, including Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt, and he has been featured in documentaries about mental health, such as The Ripple Effect. His story has touched the lives of thousands of people, helping them see that there is hope even in the darkest moments.
Today, Kevin Hines’ story stands as a beacon of resilience. It’s a reminder that even when everything seems lost, survival is possible, and life can be rebuilt. Kevin’s journey from hopelessness to advocacy shows the incredible strength of the human spirit and the importance of being there for one another.
