Stuff that Matters, Episode 20 - Kevin Hines, Suicide Survivor, Director, Suicide Prevention Advocate

We were graced by the presence of a friend of New Hope, and now friend of the podcast, Kevin Hines. Kevin’s story is one that is well-documented. If you’re just hearing his name for the first time, Kevin was born to two biological parents who suffered from depression, alcoholism and drug addiction. He entered into the foster care system as a child and later became diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression as a teen. His mental health struggles were so severe that he attempted to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, where only 1% of attempts survive. Although his injuries were substantial, he lived to tell his story and turn his life around by inspiring others. Kevin is now a motivational speaker, podcast host, author, director, husband, father and suicide prevention advocate. He spoke at our facility in Rock Hill two years ago and made a lasting impression on staff and the youth that we serve. Kevin recently relaunched his podcast, appropriately titled HINESIGHTS, which can be heard wherever you get your podcasts, and on his YouTube channel, Kevin Hines Story. Kevin also shares more information on an upcoming film called “The Net” which is based on the creation and completion of the physical net that has been installed at the Golden Gate Bridge to further aid in suicide prevention. (00:01:47-00:11:11) We catch up with Kevin about what he has going on currently, his podcast which has just relaunched, his YouTube channel, the upcoming film, the Net, mental health impacting youth as a whole and if he ever saw himself being in the position he is in today as a an advocate for suicide prevention. (00:11:13-00:19:00) How social media and society as it currently stands is impacting mental health amongst our youth. (00:20:56-00:32:36) We talk more specifically about the Net, both the film and the physical structure, the background on the construction and the long, contentious process that went into getting it approved. (00:35:51-00:43:58) How he got into speaking in public and when it occurred to him that he needed to share his story, his message and what resources he still uses to this day to help with his mental health, his stresses, balancing everything he has going on in his life. (00:45:23) His biggest inspiration and who he looks at for motivation. (00:46:47) The stuff that matters. Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube. VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter WEBSITE: https://www.newhopetreatment.com/