What does it take to talk someone back from the edge of suicide? In this powerful episode, we hear from Kevin Briggs, retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate, who has spent countless hours having life-or-death conversations with people standing on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Kevin opens up about his own struggles with depression and PTSD, how empathy—not authority—made him effective in helping others, and why slowing down and truly listening can be lifesaving. Terry and Anita reflect on the importance of upstream prevention, the role of connection in healing, and the reminder that help is always available—even before a crisis point.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you are not alone. Help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Primary Topics Covered
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and welcome
01:11 - Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month matters
01:37 - Introducing Kevin Briggs and his courageous conversations
02:24 - Kevin’s background: military, law enforcement, and “macho” culture
02:38 - Early stigma: believing mental illness was weakness
02:59 - How depression impacted his life outside of work
03:37 - Diagnosis through the PHQ-9 and learning depression is real
04:25 - Accepting help and hope in recovery
04:37 - The nickname “Guardian of the Golden Gate”
05:05 - Guiding more than 200 people off the Golden Gate Bridge
06:05 - Finding the right therapist and medication support
06:40 - Why simply listening is often lifesaving
07:06 - Common triggers: financial stress, relationships, lack of access to care
07:41 - The danger of stopping medication suddenly
08:10 - Why dignity matters: people choosing to step back themselves
08:52 - The power of empathy over credentials
09:27 - What didn’t help: talking too fast and not slowing down
10:23 - Coping with the emotional toll of this work
11:01 - How Kevin cares for his own mental health (family, pets, medication)
12:16 - Reflections on upstream prevention and breaking stigma
13:40 - Making tough conversations safer and more common
14:16 - Reminder: call 988 in the U.S. if you need support
15:11 - Closing reflections and encouragement
Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
