In the words of Nietzsche: “He who has a WHY to live can bear almost any HOW.” I have certainly found my why. I refer back to this quote often when I stop to consider the challenges of day-to-day life and the things that I’ve struggled with over the course of the last 16 years.
My name is Kevin Hines, and over a decade and a half ago, I attempted to die by suicide from my pain. I jumped off of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Today I work in the pursuit of better suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiatives. This path has led me to create some inspiring new interactive content which I believe can make a difference in both of these important areas of peoples lives.
Things can get tough. Hell, they can become downright terrifying. Life, without hope can be a constant grind. I’m intimately familiar with the reality of that struggle. The constant grind in which I am referring is the one I call living with brain pain, what most refer to as mental illnesses. I grind with or against it every day. I battle the types of inner pain which has caused me to, at times, question my existence, fall into the darkest pits of depression, and even attempt suicide in such a drastic way. In my lifetime on this earth, its pulled me, over the edge. If you know about my story, you know that it doesn’t have to be that way. Your thoughts do not have to become your actions like mine so clearly did. You don't have to learn, or continue learning the hard way, like I did.
We know this: the ability for individuals who suffer with mental illness to cope, seek help and remain mentally well is based largely on:
- An effective treatment plan monitored by a trusted psychiatric professional(s), therapists, confidants, and personal protectors.
- An active, healthy lifestyle which incorpoates bloodflow to the brain, aka, (if you are physically capable) exercise, eating healthily, and proper breathing.
- A support network of people who identify with your situation and are ready, willing and able to catch you when you fall, i.e. your peers.
- A complete and total dedication to your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
- Interpersonal connection, and interaction.
Take one of these 5 elements away and the individual greatly increases their risk of having adverse chronic medical conditions related to their mental illness, or simply put continued suffering and pain. I know this because I’ve been in psychiatric care on many occasions, 7 stays in 11 years between the year of my attempt 2000 and 2011. I’ve survived a deep seeded, and immeasurable amount of pain. No physical pain I have ever experienced, has ever come close to what I live with internally. But you don’t have to walk in my path of pain.
If you’re struggling. If you’re questioning your own value. If you’re looking for some inspiration and guidance when it comes to becoming and staying mentally strong, please, I urge you to read on.
Let’s stop for a moment to consider this fact:
According to The National Alliance on Mental Illness “Only 41% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year.”
That’s number is deplorable, one which we absolutely need to increase. And I believe we can.With that in mind, I’ve created a 10-step video series called The Art of Wellness available below via the
17th & Montgomery Productions YouTube channel link.
Each of the videos in the series is a snapshot of how I sustain a mentally healthy lifestyle. From tips and tricks to staying alert, staying active and what I do when I need to re-center myself there’s something for everybody. The best part this is just one of many playlists, video works, and projects, even short films, that are helping people like you today and everyday, stay here. Check out the introduction to The Art of Wellness here:
I want to invite you to experience the incredible possibility of healing and hope that I live every day.
Don't get me wrong, I am not fixed, and my disease isn't cured. Just like you I live with mental illness 24/7 365. Today however, I am lucky enough to be able to manage it quite well, and lead a successful life, with my lovey wife Margaret. I never thought this life possible in those darkened days. Chapter one covers therapy. It goes into various types of therapy, including:
- Talk therapy with a certified third party, usually a psychotherapist
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which aides in re-framing your thoughts on yourself, your surroundings, the people in your life and the beliefs and values about the world as a whole
- Music therapies which promote healthy sleep and relaxation
- Blue wave lightbox technology which emits waves into your brain and improves your somatic mind which increases better mood opportunities
- Breathing therapy in order to focus on your inner self and which helps promote calmness while alleviating anxiety and stress
The rest of the chapters cover topics ranging from meditation to coping and healthy eating to medication. Each video offers a quick and easy-to-digest 3-to-5 minute perspective on things you can do to improve your mental well being.
And when you’re mentally strong, life- and you- are simply better. .
Take a moment and browse the wide range of interviews, multimedia content and the trailer for my upcoming documentary feature film Suicide: The Ripple Effect seen here.
Our Facebook page, highlighting the films progress, and following my journey as a #Storyteller, advocate, and activist for change. #HopeHelpsHeal #KeepOnKeepinOn whatever you do... #BeHereTomorrow
Don't forget to navigate my homepage via your home computer, laptop or smart phone/device at: https://17mproductions.com where you’ll also enjoy interactive, intellectually stimulating, intriguing, educational, and humorous content on all things mental, emotional, and physical health. Find many vids and links related a shared mission of suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and wellness.
*Travis Pipes