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.