The Golden Gate Bridge is among the most recognizable structures in the United States, and the American Society of Civil Engineers declared it a wonder of the modern world. It has a dark history.
However, the bridge is regarded as the world’s most frequently used site for suicides.
Since 1937 when the bridge construction was completed, more than 1,700 people have killed themselves by jumping from the bridge.
The California Highway Patrol estimates that officers must stop someone from committing suicide on the site every three days on average.
Suicide is a public health concern; in 2019, it was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
Kevin Hines once made a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000.
The underlying issues that trigger a suicide attempt are often tragic and complicated, but it is likely preventable with help.
Kevin did jump and hit the water below, but he survived all the injuries inflicted by the impact.
Now he is a man on a mission to help people who suffer from mental illnesses cope with their conditions.
10 /10 Traumatic Infancy
Kevin also had a mental health problem, which he said was triggered by traumatic circumstances in his childhood.
His brother died, leading to many problems for him, including severe detachment disorder and abandonment issues.
At 9-month-old, he was fostered by the Hines family, who adopted him as soon as he turned 4.
Being part of the family was a blessing for Kevin, and everyone worked hard to ensure no one wanted anything.
The family gave Kevin the much-needed stability and opportunity for a better future.
9 /10 Lingering Past
Kevin says his biological parents sold drugs to make ends meet. The new home with the Hines was much better in every way imaginable.
Despite the supportive foster family, Kevin still couldn’t escape his unfortunate past. Memories of the traumatic infancy wouldn’t simply go away.
It did not help that at 17, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well – his birth parents suffered from the same condition –and a tendency to display psychotic behavior.
Hallucinations, depression, and panic attacks became parts of his life.