Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt [Hardcover]

At age 19, Hines nearly became one of the more than 2,000 people who have jumped to their deaths from the Golden Gate Bridge since it was built in 1937. Fortunately, however, Hines become part of a much better statistic: he is the 26th person known to have survived the 220-foot fall. The first-time author also found a reason for living after years of suffering without help from 'bipolar disorder 1 with psychotic features.' Now a well-known mental-health advocate, Hines presents a vivid and moving memoir of how he descended into mental breakdown, fought to overcome his demons with the help of family and medical experts, and has made it his 'lifes work to educate people all over this great country, and around the globe, to prevent suicide and understand mental illness.' Hines doesnt go easy on the readerhe harrowingly describes his extreme paranoia, deep depressions, manic highs, hallucinations, and panic attacks. But he delivers a heartfelt message to other people who have undergoneor are undergoingsimilar mental-health problems: 'always find hope, a future, and the epic beauty in life.'Skilled international public speaker and mental health advocate Hines encourages audiences with inspirational presentations on the topic of suicide awareness and prevention and has been honored as a Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the National Council for Community Behavioral Health. . . This should appeal to fans of popular psychology. . . also patients of attempted suicide and their loved ones, who will find the select bibliography combined with Hiness insight into the suicidal mind helpful.This is an excellent resource for anyone who has suffered the devastation of a loved ones suicide or suicide attempt. This book should be an inspiration and a comfort to those who are suffering directly with mental illness. And it is a tribute to those who have lost their lives to these illnesses.Cracked Not Broken is a testimony of ongoing recovery, where there is no false promise ofl£.