Suicide survivor: Ignore voices of doom, because life is worth living no matter how tough times get

Part 1 of 2

Kevin Hines learned to ignore the voices who urged him on, encouraging him to kill himself.

Hines (seen above, photo courtesy of Kevin Hines) heeded their call once, falling 223 feet from the Golden Gate Bridge into the icy San Francisco Bay on Monday, Sept. 25, 2000. He miraculously survived that suicide attempt, and soon realized he heard another voice.

This one was telling him to share his story with people, to tell them not to give into the grim lure of death. Life, Hines told me recently, is worth living no matter what pain you are going through.

That’s a sentiment a lot of people have expressed after hearing Hines speak, according to a page on his website.

“Kevin Hines was awesome, relevant and top-notch,” said Rebecca Textor, a regional suicide prevention coordinator in Staunton, Va. “He captured everyone’s attention! I cannot say thank you enough … what a lovely, inspiring, encouraging event that brought hope!”

Col. Thomas B. Shank of the US Air Force 47th Flying Training Wing also was impressed.

“The time you gave sharing your experience and highlighting the importance of caring for your fellow airmen was courageous, impactful and life-changing,” Shank said. “Team XL is inspired by your journey and will continue to work hard at building and cultivating relationships that promote wellness (mental, social, physical and spiritual fitness) and support in times of life's victories and defeats.”

Serni Solidarios, the director of student programs at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash., was dazzled by his frank talk about his experiences.

“With an advanced degree in adversity, Kevin Hines survived a penultimate test to become uniquely qualified like no other, as an eloquent and effective witness for wellness and hope that an audience can ever hope to hear,” Solidarios said. “He is more than a survivor, he is now a champion for anyone who needs to notch a win in the game of life.”

Hines said he wants to share his story of survival over suicide and let kids know they can do the same — without jumping into the ocean.

“I’m going to share with them a message about tragedy and struggle and how I found triumph over it to succeed, live well and fight to be here tomorrow,” he said. “And I’m going to tell them their thoughts don’t have to be their actions. If they’re suicidal, they can simply be their thoughts.”

Hines does between 250-300 appearances a year. He has been recognized for his efforts to educate people about the dangers of suicide.

In 2016, Mental Health America awarded him their highest honor, The Clifford W. Beers Award, for his efforts to improve the lives of and attitudes toward people with mental illnesses. He has been given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Council of Behavioral Health in partnership with Eli Lilly, as well as other honors.

Hines has served on numerous mental health boards and testified before Congress. He wrote a memoir, “Cracked Not Broken, Surviving and Thriving After A Suicide Attempt.” His story was featured in the 2006 film “The Bridge.”

Hines said growing up, he wanted to be an actor, so working on documentary films has allowed him to realize that dream. It just came to him in a far different fashion than he ever anticipated.

He wants to make sure others who are trapped in despair are heard, and are assured someone is listening, someone cares, someone wants to see them again. Hines said he released his grip on the rail and fell toward the water, he realized it was a mistake.

“Instantaneous regret,” he told me.

Because suicide is not the answer, no matter how daunting the questions seem.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text CNQR TO 741741.

Tomorrow: The suicide rate is increasing nationally, statistics show. Why? And what can be done to reverse that trend?

Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states and contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The  Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets. Reprint with permission.