Digital Social Hour: Episode 3 - "Miracles That Saved My Life" with Kevin Hines (DSH #1060)
Host: Sean Kelly
Release Date: January 5, 2025

Introduction

In the third episode of Digital Social Hour, Sean Kelly engages in a deeply personal and transformative conversation with Kevin Hines, a renowned mental health advocate and survivor of a near-fatal suicide attempt. This episode delves into Kevin's harrowing experience, the miracles that saved his life, and his ongoing mission to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness worldwide.

Kevin Hines' Story: A Near-Fatal Suicide Attempt ([00:31] - [05:14])

Kevin Hines opens up about his tumultuous early life marked by poverty, the tragic loss of his drug-addicted parents, and his subsequent adoption into a loving family. Despite a seemingly stable upbringing, Kevin battled severe bipolar depression from the age of 17½, experiencing psychotic features, panic attacks, and intense mood swings.

At 19, overwhelmed by untreated mental health struggles, Kevin made the desperate decision to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge—a method of suicide with a 99.9% fatality rate.

Kevin Hines ([00:31]):
"I shattered three vertebrae immediately upon impact. They splintered inside me. I missed severing my spinal cord by 2 millimeters. And then at one point, I could not make my way back to the surface. I was drowning. And I simply prayed, God, please save me. I don't want to die."

Surviving the Fall: Three Miracles ([05:14] - [07:02])

Kevin recounts the miraculous circumstances that led to his survival:

1. A Sea Lion's Intervention: Believing he was being attacked by a shark, Kevin was oblivious to a sea lion that kept him buoyant in the water.
2. A Coast Guard Rescue: A compassionate passerby alerted the Coast Guard, responding swiftly to save him.
3. Life-Saving Surgery: Upon reaching shore, Kevin was taken to Marin Medical Health Center, where an esteemed surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Levin, successfully repaired his spinal injuries.

Kevin Hines ([05:14]):
"And he saved me the ability to stand, walk, and I can kind of run."

These events combined to defy the bleak statistics of suicide attempts at the bridge, granting Kevin a second chance at life.

The Impact on His Father and Family ([07:02] - [13:01])

Kevin shares the profound emotional toll his suicide attempt had on his adoptive father, Patrick Hines. Patrick, a stoic figure, was devastated by Kevin's actions, expressing intense guilt and sorrow.

Kevin Hines ([07:02]):
"He comes over to my left side and he kissed me on the forehead and he said, 'Kevin, you're going to be okay, I promise.' Outside of the hospital room, they had just given him a 50-50 chance I'd live through the night. Wow, Kevin, you're going to be okay. I promise. I held on to that. I needed that. And I fought, I really fought."

This pivotal moment forged a deeper bond between father and son, highlighting the ripple effect of mental health struggles within families. Kevin emphasizes the ongoing responsibility he feels towards his family members who continue to grapple with the trauma of his past actions.

Mental Health Management: Techniques and Prevention ([13:01] - [22:38])

Transitioning from his personal story, Kevin discusses his proactive strategies for managing mental health and preventing future suicide attempts:

1. Mirror Technique ([19:44]):
   "Find a mirror, and any mirror anywhere. I say my thoughts don't have to become my actions. They can simply be my thoughts if they're dangerous to myself or others."

2. Seeking Help ([19:44]):
   "I turn to anyone willing to listen. If I was suicidal today... I would literally say to you four simple but very effective words: I need help now."

Kevin underscores the importance of agency in mental health, advocating for individuals to take control of their well-being through deliberate actions and seeking support.

Experiences with Psych Wards and Mental Health Care ([13:23] - [21:29])

Kevin offers a nuanced perspective on psych wards, acknowledging both their potential benefits and inherent challenges. He critiques the outdated, often traumatic experiences associated with historical mental health institutions while recognizing the progress in modern facilities.

Kevin Hines ([14:33]):
"The ones that love what they do are impassioned and emboldened to help people in pain, genuinely care about them and want to see them heal."

He highlights the significance of compassionate, dedicated staff in fostering recovery and the importance of individualized care plans in contemporary psych wards.

The Devastating Role of Bullying and Social Issues ([21:17] - [26:30])

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the profound impact of bullying, hazing, and cyberbullying on mental health, particularly among youth. Kevin attributes his own struggles to the relentless self-loathing instilled during his childhood experiences with racial bullying.

Kevin Hines ([25:09]):
"It was brutal. A kid named Mike would get behind me, bend down. A kid named Tony in front of me would push me over... Because I was part black."

He emphasizes the lethal consequences of persistent bullying, noting that cyberbullying is 60% more fatal than physical bullying due to its pervasive and enduring nature.

Personal Growth and Building Resilience ([26:30] - [35:48])

Kevin discusses his journey towards healing, which includes:

• Developing a Routine and Regimen: Inspired by a 2002 Time magazine article, Kevin implemented structured habits focusing on nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness.

• Honest Therapy Sessions: Opening up in therapy allowed Kevin to address underlying issues and rebuild relationships with his family.

• Building a Supportive Network: Meeting his wife, Margaret, during his recovery, who has been instrumental in his ongoing mental health advocacy.

Kevin Hines ([41:52]):
"We laid down and I was freaking out. I was like, 'Margaret, what are we doing here?' And she goes, 'Kevin, if all we do right now is stare at that full moon, ain't nothing else can go wrong.'"

Together, they founded initiatives like Brogley Box and Mindly to provide wellness care packages and single-session interventions for individuals in mental health crises.

Future Projects and Initiatives ([57:50] - [61:35])

Looking ahead, Kevin is passionate about continuing his advocacy through various projects:

• Documentary "The Net":
  Kevin is spearheading a documentary that chronicles the 90-year struggle to prevent suicides at the Golden Gate Bridge. This film highlights the success of the suicide deterrent net, which has reduced suicide attempts by 83% since its installation.

• Global Suicide Prevention Efforts:
  Collaborating with international organizations, Kevin aims to implement similar deterrent measures at iconic suicide hotspots worldwide, advocating for the reduction of access to lethal means as an effective suicide prevention strategy.

Kevin Hines ([59:50]):
"Suicide attempts have dropped 83% since its inception. Suicide is never the solution to your problem."

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Kevin Hines' journey from despair to empowerment serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through his firsthand experiences and unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, Kevin imparts critical lessons on:

• The Importance of Seeking Help: Recognizing when to reach out and the value of supportive relationships.
• Taking Agency Over Mental Health: Implementing proactive strategies to manage mental well-being.
• Reducing Access to Lethal Means: Supporting infrastructure and societal changes to prevent suicide.
• Building Strong Support Networks: Fostering connections that provide emotional and practical support.

Kevin concludes the episode with a heartfelt message of hope and encouragement to those battling suicidal thoughts:

Kevin Hines ([61:38]):
"You are loved, you are valued, you are worthy and you matter. And you definitely matter to me and Sean. Take care, be well, fight for your wellness and be here tomorrow every damn day after that."

Resources Mentioned

• Dr. Lisa Firestone & Dr. Robert Firestone: Conquering Your Inner Critical Voice
• Brogley Box: A wellness care package initiative for mental health support.
• Mindly: A platform utilizing Single Session Interventions for youth mental health crisis resolution.
• Documentary "The Net": the netmovie.com (Support and information)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers an unflinching look into the challenges of mental illness while providing actionable insights and strategies for prevention and recovery. Kevin Hines' resilience and dedication to saving lives underscore the critical need for compassionate mental health care and community support systems.

For those seeking inspiration, support, or ways to contribute to suicide prevention, Kevin's story is a beacon of hope and a call to action.