Show notes
The moment CHP Officer Kevin Briggs responded to Kevin Berthia's suicide attempt became a picture that touched the world. I have interviewed both of these men independantly but in this episode they joined me together to discuss all things mental health.
Kevin Briggs entered the US Army in 1981. In 1987, he became a correctional officer and worked at Soledad and San Quentin State Prisons. In 1990, he graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy and worked predominantly on the Golden Gate Bridge. Kevin answered an average of four to six suicidal calls each month. In 1999, Kevin completed training at the CHP Motor School, and in 2008, was promoted to Sergeant. Having graduated from the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Course, one of his duties was to train new CHP officers and Golden Gate Bridge staff on crisis interventions / negotiations.
Kevin retired from the CHP in 2013 to promote Crisis Management, Leadership Skills, and Suicide Intervention / Prevention worldwide. He continues speaking and teaching at conferences and law enforcement events, as well as consulting and advising major corporations. Kevin’s personal story includes being a cancer survivor, overcoming heart issues, divorce, PTSD, and depression. He is also a survivor of suicide loss.
Kevin’s goal is raising awareness about mental health and wellness, crisis management, and suicide prevention. He delivers his message by sharing his personal story and experiences, as well as the tools he developed to assist in a crisis, that can be used by anyone. His talks are inspiring and educational while encouraging help – seeking and reducing stigma related to mental health.
Kevin Berthia's journey epitomizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As a suicide survivor, advocate, and speaker, he has transformed his personal pain into a beacon of hope for countless others. Growing up in silence, Kevin grappled with unbearable pain, masking it behind a facade of joviality throughout high school and into his early twenties. However, a very public suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge became a pivotal moment, altering the course of his life forever.
Since 2013, Kevin has fearlessly shared his story, captivating audiences with his raw candor and unwavering honesty. His journey of healing and self-discovery serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of overcoming even the darkest of times. Kevin is driven by a passionate desire to inspire others to break their silence, to reach out for help, and to believe in the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Kevin's message of hope has resonated far and wide, touching the lives of individuals across the globe. His story has been featured in numerous magazine outlets, local and national news stations, and prestigious platforms such as the Steve Harvey Show, Red Table Talk, and the Dr. Phil Show. A poignant image of Kevin standing on the bridge's chord graced the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle, solidifying his place among the 75 most iconic photos of the 21st century.
For Kevin, surviving a suicide attempt carries profound significance in the prevention of further tragedies. He understands the depths of despair and the importance of shedding light on the darkness that surrounds suicide. Through his advocacy and speaking engagements, Kevin strives to empower individuals to find their voice, to seek help, and to embrace the journey towards healing.
In Kevin's words, "No one knows more about the darkness that surrounds suicide than those who have walked in its shadow." With unwavering courage and compassion, Kevin Berthia continues to be a guiding light for those who seek hope, understanding, and a path forward from the depths of despair.
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