A young man stood on the brink of despair one March day in 2005. Kevin Berthia, only 22 at the time, found himself on the Golden Gate Bridge, ready to end it all. His journey to that moment was marked by years of depression, culminating in a decision that would change his life forever.
After waking that morning, Berthia felt he had reached his limit. “The water is my freedom. I’m ready,” he reflected as he looked down at the cold San Francisco Bay. He climbed over the railing, preparing to jump. Desperation consumed him, but then something remarkable happened. Sgt. Kevin Briggs of the California Highway Patrol approached him with compassion and concern.
Briggs, known as the “guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge,” simply wanted to talk. “Hi,” he said softly. “Is it okay if I come over and speak with you for a while? I’m not going to touch you. I’m just here to talk with you and to listen.” That invitation made all the difference.
For the next 90 minutes, Briggs listened as Berthia poured out his heart, sharing his pain and darkest secrets. In that moment of vulnerability, a connection formed between the two men, leading Berthia back over the railing and away from the edge.
Upon reaching safety, Berthia was taken to the hospital, marking the beginning of his recovery. However, that path was not without struggles. He faced nearly another decade battling depression. It wasn’t until 2013 that their paths crossed once more when the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention honored Briggs for his service. Berthia had the chance to present the award, leading to an emotional reunion that would solidify their bond.
Reflecting on their relationship, Berthia expressed, “We’ve been friends ever since.” Briggs, now retired, describes their connection as something deeper. “It’s more like brothers,” he remarked, highlighting the genuine friendship that formed out of a moment of crisis.
Berthia emphasized that their encounter transcended race, explaining, “What happened that day had nothing to do with him being a white man and me being black. It’s all about the power of connection, human connection.” Through their shared experiences, both men seek to demonstrate the importance of mental health awareness and the power of human connection.
Today, Berthia and Briggs travel the country together, speaking at conferences about mental health and suicide prevention. They aim to inspire others through their story, reminding people that even in the darkest times, there is hope and a way forward.
Briggs stated on his personal website, “My goal is to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness by breaking the prejudice and discrimination associated with them.” Meanwhile, Berthia shares his own insights, saying, “Never in a million years did I think that my living in this dark place could help others.”
In a world often consumed by negativity and despair, the story of Berthia and Briggs serves as a testament to the power of compassion, understanding, and the profound impact that genuine human connection can have in overcoming life’s challenges.
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