Finding A Reason To Live, Episode #98
Kevin Berthia is a suicide survivor and prevention advocate who was born with a genetic depression disorder. At age 22, he attempted to take his life by jumping from the golden gate bridge. It wasn’t until 8 years later at the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions Lifesaver’s Gala that he was reunited with the officer who talked him back to safety.
Since then, his story of hope has touched audiences around the world. He’s shared his story with magazine outlets along with local and national news stations. His story was even featured on the Steve Harvey show.
Kevin points out that no one is more acutely aware of the darkness that surrounds suicide than those who have walked in its shadow. Listen in for some great takeaways about Kevin’s life-changing event and how he is helping others who suffer in silence, giving them a voice of hope.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
- Learn more about Kevin and the Kevin Berthia Foundation [3:14]
- The impact of Officer Kevin Briggs saving Kevin’s life [6:54]
- Kevin’s words to those who are struggling and feel alone [10:57]
- What is the mission of the Kevin Berthia Foundation? [17:20]
- Why it’s important for people to feel heard and understood [19:26]
- How telling his story has impacted Kevin personally [24:10]
- Easy things people can do to focus on improving mental health [26:10]
- What’s up next for Kevin Berthia, the next big thing? [29:50]
- What brought Kevin joy and put him in the right mindset for success? [31:21]
Learn more about Kevin and the Kevin Berthia Foundation
Kevin struggled with mental health issues from a young age. Because conversations around mental health didn’t exist in his community, he didn’t realize he was depressed and suicidal until he was 19. At 22, he drove himself to the Golden Gate Bridge to jump off it.
Luckily, a first responder, Officer Kevin Briggs, helped save his life. Officer Briggs spoke with him for 92 minutes. Kevin couldn’t understand why he cared. Officer Briggs approached him as a human. Kevin didn’t even know he was a cop. He found out 8 years later when they met at the Gala. It’s also where Kevin shared his story for the first time.
That night changed everything. He knew that he had a purpose. He knew why he had been through those dark times. He knew he had to help others. He had lived in a dark place for so long that he can deeply understand what others are going through. He strives to help others understand and connect on deeper levels to lower the number of people committing suicide.
Kevin’s words to those who are struggling
Kevin emphasizes that you have to accept where you are but know that where you are now doesn’t define you. Your life can change overnight. But you have to put in the work. Kevin changed his city, job, friends, and relationships to be who he is today. He placed importance on his mental health.
What can you do to implement change? Start small. Kevin points out that humans are routine-oriented. You shower the same way. You put your clothes on the same way. How can you leverage the power of your routine? Change your mindset before you go to bed.
Most people go to bed and carry Monday’s issues into Tuesday. Then they carry Tuesday’s issues into Wednesday. Imagine doing that for 20 years. He believes that we are all given enough strength to take life one day at a time. What else can you do?
Reach out to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Reach out to friends and family for help. Find a place that offers free therapy. The resources are readily available for you to find.
Why it’s important to feel heard and understood
Kevin points out that it wasn’t officer Brigg’s training or job that led him to save Kevin’s life. He was just a human. He made himself available. Just being there for people and showing up is the most important thing. You can’t solve someone’s problems. But if you listen to them, they begin to heal.
If you take the time to listen, they can solve their own problems. The world doesn’t need problem-solvers, it needs listeners. Kevin firmly believes that every human on earth is a first responder. What can you do to become a better listener? Listen to hear Kevin’s thoughts.
Remember that you’re not alone
Kevin wants to remind you that the world needs you here. You’re here for a reason. You have a purpose. The world won’t get better until you fulfill that purpose. You have to reach deep inside yourself to figure out why you’re here so the world can be a better place. Kevin is working to fix this world for future generations. He strives to give everything he has to this cause so he can leave a legacy.
Kevin also shares a few key things you can do to take small steps toward improving your mental health in this episode. Don’t miss it!
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect with Kevin Berthia
Bio
Kevin Berthia is a suicide survivor and prevention advocate. Kevin was born with a genetic major depression disorder. In 2005, at the age of 22, Kevin attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. It wasn’t until 8 years after his attempt that Kevin was reunited with the officer who talked him back to safety. Since then, Kevin’s story of HOPE has touched a diverse group of audiences all around the world. Kevin has had the opportunity to share his story with several magazine outlets along with local and national news stations.
Kevin’s story was also featured on the Steve Harvey Show. The photo of him standing on the cord was front page of the San Francisco Chronicle and placed on the 75 most iconic photos of the 21st Century. Kevin believes that having attempted suicide plays a major role in the prevention of additional suicides. No one knows more about the darkness that surrounds suicide than those who have walked in its shadow.
Mission: The Kevin Berthia Foundation was started and created to give those individuals that suffer in silence with both undiagnosed and diagnosed mental health conditions a voice of hope.
Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset Show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest’s content linked on this site.
Connect With Mitlin Financial
- podcast(at)MitlinFinancial.com – email us with your suggestions for topics or guests
- https://mitlinfinancial.com
- Follow on Twitter
- Follow on Instagram
- Subscribe on Youtube
- Follow on Linkedin
- Follow on Facebook
Subscribe to Mitlin Money Mindset™ on
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
