On September 30, 2020, KROST partnered with NAMI WLA to bring best selling author, global public speaker, and award winning documentary filmmaker, Kevin Hines to the KROST Community. In the Year 2000, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many factors contributed to his miraculous survival including a sea lion which kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. With his travels across the country, Kevin has made an impact on the people he speaks to through the relationships he builds with them and in this Community Session, he did just that.
The feelings one endures when experiencing suicidal thoughts are unbeknownst to anyone but that individual. However, the way Kevin explained his story and what he went through was nothing short of life changing. His description of his sense of regret and remorse once his body cleared that railing 20 years ago is enough to understand that you are important. Through the conversation and after a few personal, yet powerful questions raised by the community, there were several takeaways we couldn’t help but unpack:
1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
When under all of the pressure these emotions can place on an individual, it can be very difficult to ask for help. It may feel like no one is there, but in reality, it’s important to realize that there is an abundance of resources available. Although Kevin is 2 decades past what he experienced on the Golden Gate Bridge, he speaks about how there are times where suicidal thoughts still arise. When asked what he does in that scenario he simply replied, “I turn to my wife and tell her ‘I need help now.’”
2. CALL SOMEONE AND TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM
Amidst these quarantined times, there are some individuals that feel lonelier than ever. We are all busy and have our own lives to worry about, but try and make it a habit to call people you haven’t spoken to in a while. More importantly, reach out to the people that you aren’t on good terms with and tell them that you love them. It may be the most important thing they needed to hear that day.
3. PAY IT FORWARD
Not everyone is capable of taking action and asking for help, but that doesn’t mean that an individual’s feelings aren’t tangible to them. Kind actions such as, holding the door open, making eye contact and smiling or even saying hello to someone can really make a difference whether you know it or not. The best case scenario is you helped an individual get through a tough day; worst case, you performed a random act of kindness.
Kevin’s story is so impactful and continues to make a difference in thousands of lives across the globe. Although this event was held during suicide prevention awareness month, it’s important to understand that people battle these thoughts throughout the year. To find more about Suicide Prevention and how you can help yourself/others, see below for more resources provided by Kevin Hines and the team over at NAMI WLA:
NAMI LA General Website – https://namila.org
Support groups for family and peers – https://namila.org/supportgroups/
Crisis Hotlines & Hospitals – https://namila.org/crisis-hotlines-hospitals/
Additional Resources – https://kevinhinesstory.com/resources
Series: The Art of Wellness – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaAelpJCpnYOo-1sIU9fu9O8OZbXN3sDO