07/16/2026
“Are you okay?”
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⚠️ Trigger Warning: This post discusses a su1c1de attempt. If this topic is difficult for you, please take care of yourself before reading. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S. and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re elsewhere, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis support line in your country.
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“Are you okay?”
Three simple words have the power to save someone’s life.
Hearing Kevin Hines speak at the 2016 Florida Adolescent Conference forever changed the lens through which I see people. Kevin is one of fewer than 1% of people to survive a su***de attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge in September 2000.
One part of his story has stayed with me ever since.
Kevin shared that he made a promise to himself: if just one person out of the hundreds walking across the bridge that day noticed his distress and asked him, “Are you okay?”, he wouldn’t jump.
One woman did approach him, but only to ask if he would take a photo of her family on the bridge. He took the picture, and they continued on their way.
No one asked.
Kevin has often credited his survival to a sea lion that stayed beneath him in the water, helping keep him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived.
For nearly three decades, Kevin has dedicated his life to su***de prevention and brain health advocacy. He travels the world sharing his story of hope, resilience, and the importance of human connection. His journey is also featured in the award-winning documentary Su***de: The Ripple Effect.
His story is a powerful reminder that we never truly know what someone else is carrying.
So today, check on someone.
Ask the question.
“Are you okay?”
Sometimes those three words can mean more than we’ll ever know.
Learn more about Kevin Hines and his work: https://kevinhinesstory.com/