Half a Sorrow Foundation: www.halfasorrow.org

Book a Talk with Dennis Gillan: https://halfasorrow.org/book-a-talk/

Make a Donation: https://halfasorrow.org/support-our-work/

About the Speaker:

Dennis Gillan is the founder and executive director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation. Driven by personal loss and a heartbreaking journey through grief, Dennis has dedicated his life to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. The Half a Sorrow Foundation focuses on providing resources, support, and education to combat loneliness and suicidal ideation, endeavoring to make a significant impact on public mental health.

Episode Summary:

In this powerful and insightful episode, Dennis Gillan, the Founder and Executive Director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation, shares his deeply personal and professional journey in dealing with mental health issues, particularly relating to suicide and loneliness. With a focus on raising awareness and providing solutions, Dennis delves into the alarming statistics of loneliness and suicide globally and his efforts through the Half a Sorrow Foundation to create connection and support systems.

Dennis paints a stark picture of loneliness by referencing both a poignant Japanese documentary, “Dying Alone,” and notable actions taken by other countries, such as the appointment of a “minister of loneliness” in the United Kingdom. Drawing upon extensive research and personal experiences, Dennis discloses alarming data from an extensive survey on American loneliness and underscores the detrimental health effects that mirror those of smoking. He offers tangible strategies to combat loneliness, emphasizing real-world interactions, community engagement, and professional help. This episode is a call to action, urging listeners to connect and support each other in a world where loneliness can have fatal consequences.

Key Takeaways:

• Global Issue: Loneliness is a significant problem worldwide, underscored by Japan’s “Kodokushi” phenomenon and the UK’s appointment of a “minister of loneliness.”

• Alarming Statistics: Nearly 46% of Americans feel alone sometimes or always, highlighting an urgent public health concern that equates loneliness with the detrimental effects of smoking.

• Practical Solutions: Engage in real-life social interactions, reduce the number of strangers in your life, and seek professional help if needed.

• Take Action: Simple acts like volunteering, signing up for classes, and breaking bread with others can profoundly impact combating loneliness.

Half a Sorrow Foundation: www.halfasorrow.org

Book a Talk with Dennis Gillan: https://halfasorrow.org/book-a-talk/

Make a Donation: https://halfasorrow.org/support-our-work/

About the Hosts:

Dennis Gillan is the Founder and Executive Director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation. With a focus on mental health advocacy, Dennis promotes the proverb, "A shared joy is a double joy; a shared sorrow is half a sorrow," to drive home the importance of community in grief. He has a personal connection to his work, having lost two brothers to suicide, which he now uses as a driving force to help others through speaking and outreach initiatives.

Jessica Seel serves as our co-host and has made her misery her mission as well. Her day job focuses on promoting behavioral health policies and programs across rural communities. Jessica brings an intimate understanding of mental health issues, having lost her father to suicide at a young age.

Episode Summary:

In this powerful introductory episode, Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel dive deep into their personal stories of loss and resilience. Both having lost close family members to suicide, they discuss the complexities of this unique form of grief, emphasizing the importance of community and open conversations about mental health. They aim to dismantle the stigma associated with suicide and provide a platform for survivors to share their experiences.

Dennis and Jessica also delve into the societal challenges surrounding mental health, particularly the shame and self-medication often tied to traumatic experiences. They highlight the contrast between the general public's recognition of physical illnesses and the lack of support for mental health struggles. This episode sets the stage for future discussions aimed at breaking the silence around mental health and building a supportive community for those affected.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Sharing: "A shared joy is a double joy; a shared sorrow is half a sorrow." Sharing personal grief can significantly alleviate the burden.

• Complexity of Suicide Grief: Both Dennis and Jessica stress that suicide grief is uniquely complicated, often accompanied by a myriad of 'would have, could have, should have' questions.

• Resilience and Healing: Despite the pain, healing is possible, and discussing mental health openly can play a crucial role in recovery.

• Breaking Stigma: Both speakers call for a shift in societal attitudes, advocating for the same level of support for mental health issues as is given to physical illnesses.

• Community and Connection: The hosts emphasize the value of building supportive networks and using platforms like this podcast to foster dialogue and community support.

Notable Quotes:

• "A shared joy is a double joy; a shared sorrow is half a sorrow." — Dennis Gillan

• "Suicide comes with this baggage of would have, could have, and should have, and it stays with us for the rest of our lives." — Dennis Gillan

• "Healing is possible for folks like us." — Jessica Seal

• "Sometimes I want to go there and, like, cry it out. Other times, like, oh, not now. No, not now." — Dennis Gillan

• "Isolation can kill." — Jessica Seel

Resources:

Half a Sorrow Foundation: www.halfasorrow.org

Book a Talk with Dennis Gillan: https://halfasorrow.org/book-a-talk/

Make a Donation: https://halfasorrow.org/support-our-work/

Book "A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss" (book referenced by Dennis Gillan)

Half a Sorrow Foundation: www.halfasorrow.org

Book a Talk with Dennis Gillan: https://halfasorrow.org/book-a-talk/

Make a Donation: https://halfasorrow.org/support-our-work/

About the Hosts:

Dennis Gillan: Dennis Gillan is the Founder and Executive Director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation, an organization committed to suicide prevention and supporting survivors of suicide loss. With a personal history of losing two brothers to suicide, Dennis brings a deeply personal and passionate perspective to the cause. Through the foundation, he conducts talks, provides resources, and advocates for mental health awareness.

Jessica Seel: Jessica Seel serves as our co-host and has made her misery her mission as well. Her day job focuses on promoting behavioral health policies and programs across rural communities. Jessica brings an intimate understanding of mental health issues, having lost her father to suicide at a young age.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the "It's a Tough Subject" podcast, hosts Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel delve into the nuances of surviving suicide loss, mental health challenges, and the importance of community support. They begin with a solemn reminder of the gravity of the topic, emphasizing the need for awareness, empathy, and proactive measures in the face of rising suicide rates in America.

Throughout the conversation, Dennis and Jessica explore key themes such as the impact of losing a loved one to suicide, the significance of self-care, and the multifaceted approach required in mental health treatment. They recount personal anecdotes that highlight the ripple effects of suicide and discuss how initiatives like the Camo Hat Club are fostering supportive spaces for men to discuss their mental health openly.

Key Takeaways:

• Family Impact: The profound effect of suicide on surviving family members is discussed, emphasizing the need for community and familial support during such trying times.

• Self-Care Importance: Jessica and Dennis stress the essential role of self-care and personal wellbeing in managing mental health, sharing their own strategies and experiences.

• Community Support: The role of support groups like the Camo Hat Club in providing a safe space for individuals, particularly men, to express their struggles and receive peer support.

• Education & Advocacy: Highlighting the shortage of mental health professionals, they call for better support systems and educational initiatives to encourage more people to enter the field.

• Suicide Risk Factors: A discussion on various risk factors for suicide, including family history and transitional periods, and how being aware of these can help in prevention efforts.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I lost two brothers to suicide. One when I was 20, Matthew when I was 31." - Dennis Gillan

2. "When it comes down to it...I do want to believe that if we had had more support from our community, things might have been different." - Jessica Seel

3. "Mental health and suicide is a complicated problem, and it takes a complicated solution." - Dennis Gillan

4. "It's okay to do that, to take care of ourselves, to have a little self-care." - Jessica Seel

5. "We need more than just providers. We need camo hat clubs in every county." - Jessica Seel

Resources:

• The Half a Sorrow Foundation: Learn more about Dennis's mission, book talks, and find resources.

About the Host:

Dennis Gillan is the Founder and Executive Director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation. With a mission of providing support for those affected by suicide loss, Dennis channels his personal experiences into advocating for mental health and suicide prevention. He turned his profound grief over losing two brothers to suicide into a passion for helping others share their sorrows and find healing, embodying his foundation's motto: "A shared joy is a double joy. A shared sorrow is half a sorrow."

Episode Summary:

In this emotional and powerful episode, Dennis Gillan shares his heart-wrenching journey through the loss of his two brothers to suicide and his work with the Half a Sorrow Foundation. With raw honesty, Dennis recounts the devastating impact these losses had on his life and the path he took to become a beacon of hope for others suffering from similar tragedies.

Dennis reflects on the 30th anniversary of his brother Matthew's death by suicide, sharing the haunting details and the emotional aftermath that followed. He also discusses the pervasive guilt and pain that suicide leaves in its wake and the importance of addressing mental health and preventing access to lethal means. Through his experiences, Dennis emphasizes the critical need for support networks and the transformative power of sharing one's grief.

Key Takeaways:

• Anniversaries of Loss: Dennis shares the profound sense of grief and struggle that accompanies anniversaries of his brothers' suicides.

• Complicated Grief: The lingering feelings of guilt and shame that suicide survivors often carry, and the ways it impacts their lives.

• Gun Safety: The role of firearms in suicide and the importance of addressing this as a public safety issue.

• Coping Mechanisms: Dennis's personal journey towards sobriety as a part of his coping process with the loss of his brothers.

• Message of Hope: The importance of support, prevention, and reaching out to those who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Notable Quotes:

"A shared joy is a double joy. A shared sorrow is half a sorrow."

"Some anniversaries just suck. They just suck. This one sucks."

"What was Matt thinking that night? And I wonder. I wonder if anyone who has ever died by suicide, all I can do is wonder, because they're not around to talk to them."

"If I prevent one family from having to bury one person, it'll all be worth it, every damn bit of it."

Resources:

Half a Sorrow Foundation: https://halfasorrow.org/

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Show Notes

Half a Sorrow Foundation: www.halfasorrow.org

Book a Talk with Dennis Gillan: https://halfasorrow.org/book-a-talk/

Make a Donation: https://halfasorrow.org/support-our-work/

Dennis Gillan: Dennis is the Founder and Executive Director of the Half A Sorrow Foundation, dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy through storytelling, community engagement, and education. With over a decade of personal experience, Dennis is a prominent speaker in the field, sharing his journey and insights to help others.

Jessica Seel: Jessica is the co-host of the "It's a Tough Subject" podcast, collaborating with Dennis Gillan to address and navigate sensitive topics related to suicide loss and mental health. Jessica's personal experience as a long-term survivor of suicide loss drives her passion for shedding light on these critical issues.

In this impactful episode of the "It's a Tough Subject" podcast, host Dennis Gillan and co-host Jessica Seel, delve deep into the heartbreaking yet vital subject of suicide loss and mental health advocacy. They open with a powerful disclaimer warning listeners about the sensitive content, aiming to foster a safe, supportive environment while discussing these challenging topics. Dennis and Jessica share their personal experiences as long-term survivors of suicide loss, emphasizing how such traumatic events can redefine one's life and identity.

Throughout the episode, they explore the importance of creating a safety plan, building a supportive tribe, and the role of social connections in mental health. Emphasizing the value of community, Dennis mentions the upcoming long-term survivors meeting by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in Austin, Texas, and reflects on the importance of these gatherings. Jessica highlights how essential it is to combat loneliness and nurture a sense of purpose, drawing parallels with insights from the Netflix documentary on blue zones. They both advocate for the necessity of supportive networks in healing and stress that suicide is preventable with the right intervention and support systems.

• Importance of Safety Plans: Having a safety plan is crucial for individuals struggling with mental health, providing a structured approach to seek help and stay safe.

• Building a Tribe: Emphasizes the significance of social connections in mental health, highlighting how a supportive community can make a difference in someone's recovery journey.

• Long-term Survivor Insights: Dennis and Jessica share personal stories, offering valuable perspectives on living as long-term survivors of suicide loss.

• Role of Social Media: Discusses the impact of social media on mental health, noting both positive and negative aspects.

• Purpose and Healing: Explores how finding purpose and engaging in meaningful activities can aid in the mental health recovery process.

1. "When you have a trauma like that, it sort of defines you in a sense. It’s like a different marker in your history." - Dennis Gillan

2. "You made your misery your mission." - Dennis Gillan

• Half A Sorrow Foundation: https://halfasorrow.org/

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): https://afsp.org/

• Blue Zones Documentary on Netflix

• Dennis Gillan’s TEDx Talk on Loneliness (Episode 1)

Tune in to the full episode for an insightful discussion on mental health, the significance of community support, and practical steps on how to build a safety plan. Stay connected for more enlightening content that aims to make a difference.

Half a Sorrow Foundation: www.halfasorrow.org

Book a Talk with Dennis Gillan: https://halfasorrow.org/book-a-talk/

Make a Donation: https://halfasorrow.org/support-our-work/

About the Hosts:

Dennis Gillan is a renowned speaker and mental health advocate dedicated to suicide prevention. With personal experience of loss through suicide, Dennis transformed his grief into a mission, spreading awareness and hope. He started his own foundation and speaks at numerous conferences and events, sharing his deeply moving journey and advice.

Jessica Seel has likewise experienced the immense loss of a loved one to suicide. As a dedicated advocate focusing on mental health and substance use disorder prevention, Jessica uses her experiences to educate and support others, especially through her involvement in various initiatives and speaking engagements. She combines her personal journey with professional insight to help the community at large.

In this compelling episode of "It's A Tough Subject," Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel delve into the profound and often neglected topic of suicide loss survivors. They introduce their podcast, aptly named for its heavy yet essential discussions, encapsulating their personal experiences with suicide losses. Both Dennis and Jessica share their deeply personal stories, reflecting on their journeys toward healing and resilience, and the importance of open conversations about mental health.

Throughout the episode, keywords such as "suicide prevention," "mental health advocacy," "grief," and "healing" are central to their discussions. Dennis opens up about attending the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit in Austin, where he met like-minded individuals and professionals. He recounts his emotional moments at the summit and shares insights from various speakers, connecting them back to his personal experiences. Jessica relates these moments to her own journey, emphasizing concepts like "soul exhaustion" and the ripple effect of suicide, and how these affect long-term survivors.

• The significance of creating open dialogues about mental health and suicide prevention.

• Personal stories and coping strategies from Dennis and Jessica as long-term survivors of suicide loss.

• Insights from the AFSP Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit, including discussions on grief, empathy, and establishing boundaries.

• The importance of professional and community support in healing from the trauma of suicide.

• The ripple effect of suicide and how it impacts not only families but also the broader community and emergency responders.

1. "Grief just jumps on your back." - Dennis Gillan

2. "Do you ever feel like you're almost pushing so hard, and this is the later result of this long-term loss that you just have to do it, do it, do it?" - Jessica Seel

3. "If not you, then Dennis, then who? If not you, Jessica, then who?" - Dennis Gillan

4. "You need a therapist, you need a professional. But every now and then, if someone needs their handheld, I will answer the call." - Dennis Gillan

5. "Hang in there, folks. You can do it. We're your people." - Jessica Seel

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• Sue Klebold's TED Talk, 2016

• Dennis Gillan's Foundation and Speaking Engagements

• AFSP Healing Conversations Program

Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on "It's A Tough Subject," where we confront difficult topics with empathy, support, and actionable advice. Listening to these shared experiences can provide valuable insights and comfort, knowing you are not alone in facing these challenges.