John Kevin Hines survived a suicide attempt, jumping into the Bay from the Golden Gate BridgeI read this story in the SF Chroncile online today about the survivor of an attempted suicide by the big leap off the Golden Gate bridge. It is a fascinating account, but one thing in particular stood out to me:
I have read before that the common thread in jumpers from the bridge who survive---and there are probably at least 26 who have---was they realized that they had made a mistake in trying to kill themselves. Jumping like that is one of the few methods of self inflicted death that affords one the opportunity for second thoughts. Of course, for the vast majority of those who take that jump, by then it's too late.
At the very moment Kevin Hines launched himself over the guardrail and plummeted toward the water below, he changed his mind: "Oh s -- ," he thought. "I don't want to die! What am I going to do?"
This is a very stunning thought. How many of those who use far more immediate forms of suicide such as guns or ropes would have had similar thoughts? Suicide is called a "permanent solution to a temporary problem", but for those who take the final action, there is no turning back.
It is something to consider, something to be aware of. I have considered suicide at times in my life when the thought of continuing on seemed too much (thank God, those times are long gone now), but the idea that it was such a final act kept me from doing it. For those who go ahead and make the decision to jump, or pull the trigger, or whatever, what would it take to reverse that idea before there isn't a second chance? We have that choice right up until the moment after we jump . . . .
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2 comments:
Hey Birdhaus, your Question is extremely relevant and yes, the majority of folks that have been saved from a suicide attempt, weather it be by gun, knife, bridge, or otherwise have claimed to have second thoughts before or during the "point of no return"
The blessed ones, the ones who live, must lead by example and educate others as to the pain and loss that is felt by all involved when one takes their own life.
We are here for a reason and you may never know what that reason is if you don't stay here to live out your natural life. Thank you for the honest intelligent and thought provoking comments.
Sincerely,
John Kevin Hines
Dear John:
Thank you for being brave enough to share your story with people. I believe we have a responsibility to make our truth work for us and others in this life. It is in solitude we most suffer. I appreciate your willingness to stand in the light.
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