181: Surviving a Jump Off the Golden Gate Bridge to Saving Lives w/ Kevin Hines

A Journey From Despair To Hope: Speaking with Kevin Hines Shout-out to my friend & podcast guest, Brandi Benson, for helping bring Kevin and I together. Brandi shared her story with me back on episode 60 and shares her story again inside the powerful pages of Kevin's latest book, The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives. In this episode of the Live Well Bipolar podcast, Kevin Hines joins us to share why your story has always mattered. He is a renowned mental health advocate, global public speaker, bestselling author, and survivor of a suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge. Kevin details his life journey and experiences with bipolar disorder, from first hearing voices in fourth grade to his eventual diagnosis at 17. He shares the factors that contributed to his miraculous survival, discusses the importance of his wellness regimen, and expresses his dedication to giving back to communities dealing with similar struggles. Kevin emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself, learning resiliency in the face of adversity, and remaining hopeful despite the relentless nature of the illness. Make sure to stay connected with Kevin here and grab a copy of his story, The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives. 00:00 Introduction and About Kevin 02:11 Kevin's Early Life and Struggles with Mental Health 05:30 The Importance of Seeking Help and Adhering to Treatment 10:35 Kevin's Personal Journey and Coping Strategies 15:55 The Impact of Bullying and the Importance of Self-Compassion 20:10 Kevin's Ongoing Recovery and Advocacy Work 23:31 The Importance of Healthy Eating and Exercise 35:35 Kevin's Upcoming Book and Future Plans 40:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts