BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Ohio University Eastern hosted a discussion on mental health Monday evening with a special guest speaker.

Kevin Hines attempted to take his own life 23 years ago by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. He's one of 36 people that have survived that fall, with a suicide attempt happening on that structure almost weekly.

Hines spoke with an audience in Shannon Hall, talking about his life, his struggles growing up as a foster child, and the importance of seeking help if you're having suicidal thoughts.

"What I try to help people understand is that if you're struggling so deeply with these kinds of ideations it means you have to turn to the people closest to you and say four simple, but very effective words - I need help now,” Hines said. “And you don't stop saying I need help now until someone’s willing to answer the call.”

He also discussed his fight with bipolar depression. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, keeping this topic a part of the conversation was vital for the Mental Health Recovery Board.

"He is an advocate about, not only suicide prevention, but all areas of mental health that we thought, if we can get him here, we can share his message, we can bring hope to our communities,” Mental Health and Recovery Board Executive Director Lisa Ward said.

Mental health advocates say local organizations that provide services to help those struggling are so important to use.

"I think there’s a stigma at times that gets attached to it,” Walter Galbreath, Ohio University associate professor of social work, said. “Some people don't reach out for services because they fear they're weak. I believe the strong person is the one that knows they have a mental health issue and they reach out."

Almost a million people die by suicide each year. So, Hines hopes his message reaches those who need to hear it the most.

"If you are watching this and are suicidally depressed, stop, take a breath; do that 30 to 40 more times,” Hines said. “We're all going to pass away. No one has cracked the code to immortality, but give yourself time, energy, effort, and hard work for things to change because with those things they will change, you will get better, you will gain a new perspective and you can stay alive.”

To find out more about the Mental Health Recovery Board, tap or click HERE.