Kevin Hines’ story sounds almost unreal an actual “zero to hero” moment. Back in 2000, at just 19 years old, he jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, thinking it was the end. But something incredible happened in the freezing waters below. As he struggled to stay afloat, a sea lion appeared out of nowhere. It circled him and gently kept pushing him to the surface. Kevin thought it was a shark but it wasn’t. That sea lion kept him alive until the Coast Guard arrived. Call it fate, luck, or a miracle that moment changed everything.

Kevin survived the fall, but he was in bad shape. He had life-threatening injuries and went through major surgery to fix his shattered spine. The pain didn’t stop there he faced depression, PTSD, and long months of recovery. But he never gave up. For the first time, doctors correctly diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. That diagnosis became a turning point. It provided him with the answers he needed to start his real healing.

Change didn’t come fast but Kevin learned that even small steps can lead to significant progress. He showed up for therapy, took his medication, and stuck to new healthy habits. Slowly, things began to improve. He began to understand himself on a deeper level. He wasn’t broken he just needed the proper care to fight back. And with the right mindset, he proved that living with bipolar disorder isn’t the end it can be the beginning of something powerful.

How He Started Fighting Back

Kevin knew his story had the power to save lives. So he started speaking out — in schools, churches, and community centres. He told people the raw truth about what he went through and how he found his way back. His talks were emotional, honest, and filled with hope. People listened. Many opened up for the first time and asked for help. In 2013, Kevin took it one step further and wrote a book, Cracked, Not Broken. It became a bestseller and is now used in schools, hospitals, and even military programs. His story is changing lives, one page at a time.

But Kevin didn’t stop there. His story was featured in the powerful documentary “The Bridge,” and later, he made his own film, “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” (2018). The movie shows how one second chance can ripple out and inspire millions. It’s raw, honest, and full of emotion — just like Kevin.

Today, Kevin is a global voice for hope. He travels nonstop, speaking at schools, military bases, and international conferences. He also created the Kevin & Margaret Hines Foundation to promote suicide prevention and mental health education. He’s worked with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and reached people in over 20 countries. His message is simple: you matter, and you’re never truly alone.

The best part about Kevin’s story? He reminds us that life is worth living — even on the worst days. He shows us that mental health struggles don’t make you weak. Asking for help takes strength. Through his journey, Kevin teaches us how to rebuild our lives with the help of therapy, support, and a sense of purpose. His story isn’t just about surviving it’s about rising.