Suicide attempt survivor discusses mental health with Pottsville Area students
May 8—POTTSVILLE — In 2000, Kevin Hines made a decision that would forever change his life.
Hines, then 19, attempted to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, in an effort to rid himself of the "lethal emotional pain" that had tormented him for years.
Immediately after jumping, however, he felt instant regret and realized that he had made "the greatest mistake of my life."
"I have been given a coveted second chance in life," said Hines, now 41 and a well-known motivational speaker.
Hines discussed his struggles with mental health Monday during a presentation at Martz Hall in Pottsville.
Hundreds of students and faculty members from Pottsville Area School District attended the event, which was livestreamed to several other districts.
Hines, who began experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder in his teens, said that one of his biggest mistakes was believing that no one cared about his mental health struggles.
"Do not silence your pain," he told students. "Your pain is valid. Your pain is worth my time and others'. And your pain matters simply because of all that you do."
He urged students to learn how to cope with their pain and to never resort to taking their own lives.
"When we silence our pain, when we bury our struggles, they'll only bubble and fester and grow until they burst into things like rage, aggression, violence, substance use disorder, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, ideals or actions," he said. "I have lived with all of those in my life."
Growing up in San Francisco, Hines faced struggles from an early age. His birth parents neglected him and his brother, Jordache, because of drugs, and the two grew up in "abject poverty" until they were placed in foster care.
He recalled how, while riding to the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000, he was sobbing, and clearly in severe emotional pain, but nobody said a word or did anything to help him.
Hines said that his failed suicide attempt helped him realize the importance of relating his struggles to others.
He said it was "miraculous" that he survived the fall — 99% of people who jump from the bridge have died — and noted that he is one of the few survivors who can still walk, stand and run.
More than 1,500 deaths by suicide have been attributed to the Golden Gate Bridge since it opened in 1937.
Hines stressed the importance of "unsilencing" pain, and told the students to relate their struggles to anyone who is "willing to empathize."
"I want none of you to ever die by your hands," he said. "I want you to fight your pain, in spite of your pain, despite your pain."
Before his presentation, Hines dedicated a moment of silence to those who have lost their lives due to suicide.
Visitors also viewed a short clip of "Suicide: The Ripple Effect," a documentary about suicide that Hines co-directed.
After addressing the Pottsville students, Hines gave a second presentation, open to the public, on Monday evening.
In closing, he reminded students of the resources available for mental health needs in the community.
"If any of you are struggling with brain pain right now, I hope you talk to one of the counselors, teachers or staff in this school," he said. "And if you need to reach me, I'll make you a promise.
"I will be here for any of you who reach out to me for moral support for the rest of your lives."
Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085
