KEVIN HINES

By DREYMA BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

ISHPEMING — Be kind to others, don’t judge someone and ask for help if you need it.

That’s the message Kevin Hines shared with area residents on Wednesday during his presentation about his journey of hope, healing and recovery with depression and bipolar disorder.

Hines survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge 23 years ago. Now he travels the country sharing his story and advancing the idea that each indivual is worthy of life.

Hines shared his painful upbringing before he was adopted, as well as his personal struggles with brain injuries. He said the experiences led an attempt to take his own life at age 19.

“This is so important because all around the world where I travel, people are dying by their (own) hand and it’s unnecessary and preventable,” Hines said.

Hines said it’s a myth that simply asking a person about their mental health or if they are considering suicide will encourage a suicide attempt.He said asking a person if they need help or if they are doing OK only gives people permission to speak about their pain.

“We are trying to reach as many human beings from around the world as humanly possible and we just happened to be in Ishpeming today doing this work trying to reach people at their core level to help them stay here,” Hines said.

Hines was scheduled to make presentations on Thursday for Ishpeming, Westwood and Negaunee high school students to spread the message that everyone needs someone they trust to share their pain. He also spoke about his journey of hope, healing and recovery.

For more information about Hines, go to his website at kevinhinesstory.com. For more information and resources on mental health and suicide prevention, go to greatlakesrecovery.org.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 248. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.