Kevin Hines on Choosing to Stay Alive: A Mental Health Conversation That Will Move You

In one of the most powerful and heartfelt conversations we've ever shared, we had the honor of sitting down with Kevin Hines, suicide prevention advocate, storyteller, and survivor, to talk about the real, raw, and often unseen layers of living with mental illness and the decision to keep choosing life.

Kevin is best known for surviving a suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000, a moment that changed the course of his life and became the catalyst for his life's mission: to remind people that hope is real, healing is possible, and you are never alone.

“The greatest gift I was ever given was surviving.”

In this interview, Kevin opens up about the pain that led him to that bridge, and the split-second regret that overtook him the moment his hands left the rail. That regret became the foundation of his mission.

“My only thought when my hands left that rail was: ‘I don’t want to die. God, please save me.’”

He shares candidly about the daily management of his bipolar disorder, the power of asking for help, and how he’s learned to love and take care of the very brain that once tried to kill him.

Mental health isn’t a linear journey; it’s a daily practice.

One of the most striking takeaways from Kevin's story is that healing isn’t about reaching a final destination.

“There’s no cure for what I have. There’s only management. I fight for my brain health every single day. That’s how I stay here.”

His approach is radically honest. He doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. But he also doesn’t let it win. He talks about building his “mental health toolbox,” which includes sleep, therapy, medication, movement, and connecting with loved ones.

“I work really hard to stay stable. I do the hard things every day because I want to be here tomorrow.”

The power of connection

One of the most poignant moments in the interview comes when Kevin talks about the bus ride to the bridge on the day of his attempt. He looked around, hoping someone would notice his pain.

“All I wanted was for someone to say, ‘Are you okay?’ No one did. And I thought that meant no one cared. But the truth is—people don’t know what to look for.”

That moment became a major catalyst for his advocacy work. He now trains people to spot warning signs, to speak up, to reach out.

“It’s okay to say, ‘I see you. I care about you. What can I do to support you?’ That question can change a life.”

You are worthy of staying.

Kevin’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to start getting help—and that you deserve support exactly as you are.

“If you’re hurting right now, just hold on. Stay. Because the pain is temporary. But your story isn’t done yet.”

Key Takeaways:

• Regret is real: Kevin instantly regretted his decision and wants people to know that suicide is not the answer.
• Healing is a process: It requires daily, intentional effort, but it’s worth it.
• Connection saves lives: Small moments of empathy can be powerful interventions.
• You matter: You are not alone, and your pain doesn’t disqualify you from love, support, or belonging.

We’re endlessly grateful to Kevin for sharing his truth so openly. His resilience, honesty, and compassion are reminders that healing is possible and that speaking up can quite literally save lives.

🎥 Watch the full interview here: HERE 📍
🧠 Explore our Mental Health Support Packs: HERE 🦋
❤️ Need help? You're not alone. Visit 988lifeline.org or call/text 988 for 24/7 confidential support.