Depression & Suicide Prevention with Kevin Berthia

Mental Note

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide On March 11, 2005, Kevin Berthia became famous…For all the wrong reasons.

As he stood on an exposed pipe - with only the wind holding him up from plunging into the waters below San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge - a photographer captured Kevin discussing his desire to attempt suicide with Sergeant Briggs of the California Highway Patrol. That photo landed on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle the very next day.

Today, Kevin's perspective is much different than 17 years ago. Rather than contemplating the end of his life, he now speaks up for mental health and suicide prevention with a message that has made it around the world.

We sit down with Kevin to take a wild ride through his story and the serendipitous events that lead to becoming a nationally renowned storyteller. Along the way, we’ll also chat with Dr. Thomas Joiner of Florida State University about depression, suicidal thoughts, and available tools to get help today.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, or the Crisis Text Line (Text TALK to 741741) or to talk to someone who can help. Mental Note Podcast is brought to you by Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center and Eating Recovery Center. If you’d like to talk to a trained therapist or learn more about their programs and free support groups, please call them at [phone] or visit our website www.mentalnotepodcast.com

RESOURCES

• Our Website: www.mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com
• Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com
• Kevin Berthia Foundation: www.kevinberthiafoundation.org
• Documentary mentioned in the episode: https://bityl.co/BDhP