Cracked, Not Broken: A Powerful Story of Living with Bipolar Disorder and Overcoming a Suicide Attempt
# Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt ## Introduction - Introduce the book and the author - Provide a brief summary of the main themes and messages - Explain why this book is relevant and important for readers ## The Golden Gate Bridge: A Turning Point - Describe the author's suicide attempt by jumping off the bridge - Explain how he survived and what he learned from his near-death experience - Highlight the significance of the bridge as a symbol of his story and his recovery ## Living with Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis - Explain the author's diagnosis and how it affects his mental health - Share some of the challenges and struggles he faces with his condition - Emphasize the importance of seeking help and finding support ## Becoming a Mental Health Advocate and Speaker - Describe how the author turned his pain into purpose by sharing his story - Mention some of the platforms and audiences he has reached with his message - Discuss some of the impacts and outcomes of his advocacy work ## The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives - Introduce the author's latest book and how it continues his journey - Provide a brief overview of the main topics and insights - Explain how storytelling can help people cope with mental illness and prevent suicide ## Conclusion - Summarize the main points and takeaways from the article - Reiterate why this book is worth reading and learning from - Encourage readers to take action and seek help if needed ## FAQs - What is the main message of Cracked, Not Broken? - How can I get a copy of the book or the audiobook? - Where can I learn more about the author and his work? - How can I support suicide prevention and mental health awareness? - What are some resources for people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental illness? Now, here is the article based on that outline: # Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt Have you ever felt hopeless, worthless, or desperate enough to end your life? If you have, you are not alone. According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year, and many more attempt it. Suicide is a global public health problem that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. But suicide is not inevitable. There is hope, there is help, and there is healing. That is the message of Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt, a remarkable memoir by Kevin Hines. In this book, Hines shares his personal story of living with bipolar disorder, surviving a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, and becoming a mental health advocate and speaker. This book is not only a testament to the strength of the human spirit, but also a reminder to us to love the life we have. It also shows us that living mentally well takes time, endurance, hard work, and support. With these disciplines in place, those living with even very difficult diagnoses can achieve better lives for themselves and those who help to support and care for them. If you are looking for a book that will inspire you, educate you, and challenge you to rethink your views on mental illness and suicide, this is it. Here are some of the reasons why you should read Cracked, Not Broken. ## The Golden Gate Bridge: A Turning Point The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable structures to define a modern city. Yet, for Hines, the bridge is not merely a marker of a place or a time. Instead, the bridge marks the beginning of his remarkable story. At 19 years old, Hines attempted to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge - a distance which took four seconds to fall. Recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic features, Hines had begun to hear voices telling him he had to die, and days before his attempt, he began to believe them. But as soon as he let go of the rail, he regretted his decision. He prayed to survive, and miraculously, he did. He was one of only 34 people (out of over 2,000) who have survived jumping off that bridge. His survival was not without consequences. He broke several bones in his back and legs, punctured his lungs, damaged his organs, and nearly drowned. He spent months in the hospital and in rehabilitation, learning to walk and function again. But his physical recovery was only part of his journey. He also had to face his mental illness, his trauma, and his guilt. He had to learn to forgive himself, to accept his condition, and to find meaning in his life. The bridge, which was once a symbol of his despair, became a symbol of his hope. It was the place where he realized that he wanted to live, and that he had a purpose. It was the place where he decided to dedicate his life to helping others who are struggling with mental illness and suicidal thoughts. ## Living with Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, from highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). People with bipolar disorder may also experience psychosis, which is a loss of contact with reality that may involve hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) or delusions (believing things that are not true). Hines was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 17 years old, after experiencing a manic episode that landed him in a psychiatric hospital. He was prescribed medication and therapy, but he did not follow his treatment plan consistently. He also faced stigma and discrimination from some of his peers, teachers, and family members, who did not understand his condition or how to support him. As a result, he suffered from several mental breakdowns, suicidal episodes, and hospitalizations. He also developed substance abuse problems, self-harm behaviors, and relationship issues. He felt alone, misunderstood, and hopeless. But he did not give up. He learned to accept his diagnosis, to manage his symptoms, and to seek help when he needed it. He found a supportive network of professionals, friends, and family members who helped him cope and thrive. He also discovered the power of gratitude, faith, and positivity in his recovery. He does not claim to be cured or perfect. He still struggles with his condition every day, and he still faces challenges and setbacks. But he has learned to live with his illness, not against it. He has learned to embrace his flaws, not hide them. He has learned to love himself, not hate himself. ## Becoming a Mental Health Advocate and Speaker Hines did not only survive his suicide attempt; he also turned it into a mission. He realized that by sharing his story, he could help others who are going through similar situations. He could raise awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention. He could inspire hope and change in the world. He started by writing his book, Cracked, Not Broken, which was published in 2013. The book received positive reviews from critics and readers alike, and was featured in various media outlets such as CNN, Time Magazine, The Huffington Post, and The Guardian. He also became a public speaker, traveling around the world to share his message with diverse audiences such as schools, colleges, hospitals, prisons, military bases, corporations, and conferences. He has spoken in over 40 countries and six continents, reaching millions of people with his powerful testimony. He has also been involved in various advocacy projects and initiatives related to mental health and suicide prevention. For example, he is the co-founder of The Bridge Rail Foundation (BRF), an organization that advocates for installing a suicide barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge. He is also the executive producer of Suicide: The Ripple Effect (2018), a documentary film that explores the impact of suicide on individuals and communities. Through his work as an advocate and speaker, Hines has made a difference in many lives. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field of mental health and suicide prevention. He has also received countless messages from people who have been touched by his story or who have been saved by his words. ## The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives ## The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives Hines' story does not end with Cracked, Not Broken. He has recently published a new book, The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives, which chronicles his life after his first book ended. In this book, he explores how storytelling can help people cope with mental illness, trauma, and suicide. Hines believes that everyone has a story to tell, and that by sharing our stories, we can heal ourselves and others. He writes: "Storytelling is the art of being broken. It is the process of taking our pain and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful." In this book, he shares his own stories of recovery, resilience, and hope. He also features stories from other people who have been affected by suicide or mental illness, such as survivors, family members, friends, and professionals. He shows how storytelling can create connection, compassion, and community. He also provides practical tips and tools for anyone who wants to share their story or listen to others. He covers topics such as finding your voice, choosing your audience, overcoming fear and shame, and using humor and creativity. He also offers advice on how to use storytelling for advocacy and social change. The Art of Being Broken is a powerful and inspiring book that shows how storytelling can save lives. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about mental health and suicide prevention, or who wants to discover the healing power of their own story. ## Conclusion Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt is a book that will touch your heart, open your mind, and change your perspective. It is a book that will make you cry, laugh, and think. It is a book that will inspire you to live your best life. This book is not only a memoir of a remarkable man who survived a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also a guide for anyone who is living with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, or who knows someone who is. It is a book that offers hope, help, and healing. If you are looking for a book that will make you appreciate the gift of life, this is it. If you are looking for a book that will teach you how to cope with mental illness and prevent suicide, this is it. If you are looking for a book that will show you how to turn your pain into purpose by sharing your story, this is it. Cracked, Not Broken is a book that you need to read. And after you read it, you need to share it with others. Because this book can save lives. ## FAQs - What is the main message of Cracked, Not Broken? The main message of Cracked, Not Broken is that suicide is not inevitable. There is hope, there is help, and there is healing. No matter how hard life gets, there is always a reason to live. - How can I get a copy of the book or the audiobook? You can get a copy of the book or the audiobook from various online platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Audible. You can also check your local library or bookstore for availability. - Where can I learn more about the author and his work? You can learn more about the author and his work by visiting his website (https://www.kevinhinesstory.com/), following him on social media (Facebook: @KevinHinesStory; Instagram: @kevinhinesstory; Twitter: @KevinHinesStory), or watching his documentary film (Suicide: The Ripple Effect). - How can I support suicide prevention and mental health awareness? You can support suicide prevention and mental health awareness by educating yourself and others about these issues; reaching out to people who are struggling and offering them support; donating to or volunteering for organizations that work in this field; advocating for policies and programs that promote mental health and prevent suicide; and sharing your own story or listening to others' stories. - What are some resources for people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental illness? If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental illness, you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help you. Here are some resources that you can use: - Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or chat online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/. This service is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. - Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or chat online at https://www.crisistextline.org/. This service is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. - Visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at https://afsp.org/ to find support groups, programs, and events in your area. - Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website at https://www.nami.org/ to find information, resources, and helplines for various mental health conditions. - Visit the Kevin Hines Story website at https://www.kevinhinesstory.com/ to find more stories, videos, and tools for coping and recovery.
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