3 Miracles That Saved My Life - Kevin Hines shares his incredible journey of survival and hope after jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. In this powerful conversation, Kevin reveals the extraordinary chain of events that saved his life that day: a compassionate sea lion who kept him afloat, a quick-thinking Coast Guard response, and a world-class surgeon who happened to be in the right place at the right time. From his struggles with mental health to becoming a globally recognized suicide prevention advocate, Kevin opens up about his ongoing journey of recovery and healing. Learn how he transformed his darkest moment into a mission of hope, helping others choose life through his compelling story and practical mental wellness strategies. In this raw and honest discussion, Kevin shares invaluable insights about mental health, resilience, and the power of speaking up. Discover his proven two-step technique for managing suicidal thoughts and how he's helping create lasting change through groundbreaking initiatives like the Golden Gate Bridge safety net. If you're struggling or know someone who is, this episode contains essential wisdom and hope. Watch now for an unforgettable story of survival, redemption, and the miracles that can happen when we choose to keep fighting. 🙏 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 #transformingmentalhealth #suicideprevention #suicidepreventionresources #mentalhealthstigma #suicidalthoughts CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:39 - Kevin’s Story 04:54 - Miracles that Saved Kevin 08:56 - Suicide Prevention Techniques 11:35 - Experiences in Psych Wards 18:00 - History of Lobotomies 19:58 - Suicide as a Crime 20:40 - Guilt and Mental Health 22:50 - Impact of Bullying 27:30 - Society’s Role in Suicide 31:08 - Pain Medications and Mental Health 34:38 - Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health 39:30 - Supporting Students with Counseling 40:25 - Kevin’s Love Story 47:20 - BroglieBox Overview 49:00 - Solutions for Las Vegas 51:50 - Kevin’s Relationship with His Mom 57:47 - Future Plans for Kevin 1:00:40 - Resources for Suicide Prevention 1:02:30 - You Matter: Mental Health Awareness APPLY TO BE ON THE PODCAST: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/application BUSINESS INQUIRIES/SPONSORS: [email protected] GUEST: Kevin Hines https://www.instagram.com/kevinhinesstory/ https://kevinhinesstory.com/ LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759 Sean Kelly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmikekelly/
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I shattered three vertebrae immediately upon impact. They splintered inside me. I missed severing my spinal cord by two 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. I made a mistake on repeat.
All right, guys, Digital Social Hour here with Kevin Hines. We've been trying to set this up for a while. Thanks for finally coming on, man. I'm so glad to be here, Sean. Thank you for having me. Yeah, I think we're going to impact a lot of people this episode. That's the hope, the wish, and the prayer.
Absolutely. A lot of people are probably familiar with your story, but for those who aren't, could you briefly explain what happened?
Absolutely. born in abject poverty, raised in a crack motel, parents died of drugs and alcohol, got adopted by a beautiful family, lived a great childhood and a beautiful adolescence. However, at 17 and a half, I was diagnosed with bipolar depression, type one with psychotic features, meaning I saw and heard things that no one else could see or hear.
I had panic attacks, heart palpitations, and manias and depressions. And due to all of that, and a lack of proper treatment, rather a lack of following a treatment plan. At 19, I ended up making my way to the Golden Gate Bridge to attempt to take my life a method of suicide that is 99.9% fatal. 99.9% of the people that have leapt off that bridge in the last 90 years of it being open are gone.
And I did the unthinkable. I leapt off. On the way down, in that fourth second fall, These were the words that rang true in my mind. What have I just done? I don't want to die. God, please save me. I hit the water at 15,000 pounds of pressure. If you don't know, that's like a giant African elephant standing on your chest. I shattered three vertebrae immediately upon impact.
They splintered inside me. I missed severing my spinal cord by two 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. I made a mistake on repeat. And that's when something began circling beneath me. I thought it was a shark. I was terrified.
And I really started punching it because I really thought this is going to bite me. I didn't die jumping off the Colton Gate Bridge. A shark is going to eat me. Perfect. But it wouldn't go away. It just kept circling beneath my shoulders, my elbows and my knees, bumping me up.
and now no longer am I waiting or treading in the water, I'm lying atop and on my back being kept afloat by this creature, thinking this is one hell of a nice shark. I would later learn it was in fact a sea lion, and the people above looking down believed it to be keeping my body afloat until the Coast Guard brought a ride behind me.
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