Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of suicide. If you are currently experiencing mental health distress related to suicide, please seek the help of a trained mental health professional.
We all have experienced super-low points in our lives for a multitude of reasons.
This video posted by Goalcast shares Kevin Berthia’s story about how his severe depression led him to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge on the same day as a highway sergeant who has helped save more than 200 lives from suicide.
As Berthia made his way to the Golden Gate Bridge that day, he stopped to ask someone for directions. He was secretly hoping that they would ask him why he was visiting the popular landmark.
When he arrived at the bridge and looked over the railing, he saw nothing but water, but to him, it looked like peace and no more nights of crying and immense pain.
He stepped over the railing to just a thick bar on the other side that was holding up his feet. If he nudged himself back even an inch or two, he would have fallen down the 200 feet straight into the water.
Out of nowhere, Berthia heard a voice calling out to him asking if everything was all right. The individual on the other side of the railing happened to be California Highway Patrol Sergeant Kevin Briggs.
In the video, Berthia talks about how once Briggs arrived, the sergeant spent 92 minutes just standing there listening to him. And it was due to this simple act of kindness of someone just taking the time to listen to what Berthia was going through at the time that gave him the courage to step back over the railing that day.
To hear the in-depth inspirational story of hope, kindness, and new beginnings, watch the video posted by Goalcast.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
