It's a Tough Subject
Suicide claims far too many lives, ranking as the 11th leading cause of death in America. This heartbreaking epidemic highlights the profound need for awareness and support for those who are suffering in silence with mental health issues that can lead to suicide. Why are they suffering in silence? Because, it’s a tough subject. Welcome to the It’s a Tough Subject Podcast brought to you by The Half a Sorrow Foundation. Your host Dennis Gillan is the founder and executive director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation. Dennis is joined by his co-host Jessica Seel and both share the...
Media's Role in Reporting Suicide with Sensitivity
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/
Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of "It's A Tough Subject," hosts Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel delve into the sensitive yet imperative topic of reporting on suicide. Recorded on a reflective Monday post-holiday, this episode is driven by a recent personal event that reignites Dennis's passion for addressing the dignity and sensitivity needed in media coverage of suicide. The hosts highlight t...
From Loss to Hope: Josh Gardner's Story
Dennis Gillan's Website: Half a Sorrow Website
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Dennis Gillan and Josh Gardner discuss the profound impact of personal loss and the journey through depression and recovery. Josh shares his experiences of losing family members to suicide, the struggles he faced with mental health, and the various treatments he underwent, including ECT. The conversation emphasizes the importance of seeking help, the role of support systems, and the hope that can be found in recovery. Josh's story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of community in overcoming mental health c...
How Travel and Traditions Help Heal Our Hearts
Half a Sorrow Foundation Website
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "It's a Tough Subject," Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel dive deep into the heart-wrenching yet crucial topics surrounding mental health challenges, particularly focusing on suicide awareness and prevention. Kicking off with a reflective mood, both hosts share personal experiences about how they cope with loss and the ways in which they commemorate and remember loved ones gone too soon. This episode places a spotlight on the prevalent issues in mental health advocacy, education, and personalization, drawing connections between personal healing journeys and broader societal...
Navigating the Aftermath of Losing a Loved One
Half a Sorrow's Website
About the Guest(s):
Dennis Gillan is the founder and executive director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention through education and advocacy. Dennis is recognized for his compelling public speaking engagements on mental health, aiming to reach communities with life-saving messages. With a deeply personal connection to the cause, Dennis's work is enriched by both his professional insights and personal experiences with loss.
Jessica Seel is the co-host of the "It's a Tough Subject" podcast. S...
Tackling Workplace Suicide Prevention with Compassion and Care
About the Hosts:
Dennis Gillan is a mental health advocate and speaker focused on suicide prevention in the workplace and beyond. Having lived through the heartbreaking loss of his two brothers to suicide, Dennis has dedicated his life to reducing the stigma around mental health and suicide. His commitment to mental health awareness is realized through his work with Half a Sorrow Foundation, where he delivers presentations and workshops aiming to encourage discussion around mental health challenges.
Jessica Seel is a passionate advocate for mental health, known for her work related to suicide prevention and behavioral health...
Behind the Numbers: Stories of Suicide Statistics
About the Hosts:
Dennis Gillan is a prominent figure in the mental health and suicide prevention community. He is the founder of the Half a Sorrow Foundation, which aims to reduce the impact and stigma of suicide by increasing mental health awareness. Dennis is a passionate speaker who shares his personal experiences with suicide loss to educate and inspire others.
Jessica Seel is an expert in public health with a focus on mental health and grief. She collaborates with nonprofits and organizations to develop programs that address mental well-being. Jessica's experience in coping with grief shapes her...
Transform Isolation into Connection
Dennis Gillan is the Executive Director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation, an organization dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. With a deeply personal connection to this work, Dennis has experienced the loss of two brothers to suicide. His efforts are directed towards fostering open conversations about mental health and supporting those affected by suicide.
Jessica Seel is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She brings a personal touch to her advocacy due to the loss of her father to suicide. She works to dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health and...
Community, Connection, and Overcoming Challenges
About the Guest(s):
Dennis Gillan is the founder and executive director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation. He is deeply involved in mental health advocacy, particularly focusing on suicide prevention. Dennis has a compelling personal story that fuels his passion for outreach and education on these critical issues. His work involves speaking engagements where he shares impactful narratives to raise awareness and promote mental health support.
Jessica Seel co-hosts with Dennis on the "It's a Tough Subject" podcast. She is actively engaged in mental health initiatives and works alongside various community and health organizations...
Dennis Gillan's Your Carolina Television Appearance for "It's a Tough Subject Live"
Turning misery into his mission. A local man is hoping to improve your mental health by having real conversations. Dennis Gillan has had his share of sorrow. He lost two brothers to suicide. By sharing his sorrow onstage on March 18th, he hopes to encourage others to share their sorrow. He says if his brothers would have shared their sorrows, they would still be here.
There is hope and suicide is not the answer. Also, this is not your typical talk on suicide prevention, we will laugh and there are times, we may cry, but we will al...
Access Carolina Television Appearance "It's a Tough Subject Live"
Dennis Gillan's appearance on Access Carolina discussing "It’s A Tough Subject Live" on March 18th at 7:00 p.m. Centre Stage Theater, 501 River Street, Downtown Greenville. Reception to follow at Limoncello right next door.
It's a Tough Subject Live - 3/18/25 - 7pm Greenville, South Carolina
Click here for tickets: https://www.classy.org/event/its-a-tough-subject-live/e653736
Half a Sorrow Foundation - Visit Our Website: https://halfasorrow.org/
Half a Sorrow YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@halfasorrowfoundation
Mental Health Struggles in a Post-COVID World
Resources:
It's a Tough Subject Live - 3/18/25 - 7pm Greenville, South Carolina
Click here for tickets: https://www.classy.org/event/its-a-tough-subject-live/e653736
Half a Sorrow Foundation - Visit Our Website: https://halfasorrow.org/
Half a Sorrow YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@halfasorrowfoundation
About the Hosts:
Dennis Gillen: Dennis is a prominent mental health advocate renowned for his work in suicide prevention. Having personally experienced the loss of two brothers to suicide, Dennis dedicates his life to speaking about mental health and reducing stigma. He is...
Why Do Men Complete More Suicide Attempts Than Women?
Resources:
It's a Tough Subject Live - 3/18/25 - 7pm Greenville, South CarolinaClick here for tickets Half a Sorrow Foundation - Visit Our Website
About the Guest(s):
Dennis Gillen is a passionate mental health advocate focusing on suicide prevention and awareness. As a speaker, he reaches audiences across the country, sharing his personal experiences to foster understanding and offer support. With a dynamic and humorous speaking style, Dennis aims to make tough topics more approachable and to inspire collective action in mental health initiatives.
Jessica Seel co-hosts alongside Dennis Gillen, contributing h...
Tackling Loneliness and Mental Health
About the Hosts
Dennis Gillen is a mental health advocate and speaker with a personal mission deeply rooted in suicide prevention. Through his work, Dennis has engaged audiences across different platforms, delivering powerful messages that encourage open discussions around mental health. He has presented at numerous conferences and events, sharing his personal connection to suicide loss and ways to combat loneliness and depression. Dennis is also involved with organizations that work towards improving mental health support systems and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Jessica Seel is a passionate advocate for mental health...
Postvention as Prevention: Healing After Suicide Loss
About the Guest:
John Denny is a chaplain with the U.S. Army and an experienced crisis intervention specialist. With extensive training in critical incident response and traumatic event management, he has devoted his career to helping individuals and organizations process grief and trauma. He is the founder of Philos, a nonprofit organization dedicated to postvention and trauma response, providing support and resources for those affected by loss and crisis.
Episode Summary:In this emotionally impactful episode of "It's a Tough Subject," hosts Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel welcome their first guest, John Denny, a chaplain with...
Exploring Seasonal Suicide Trends and Mental Health Insights
It's A Tough Subject LIVE will be held on March 18th in Greenville, SC, and this is where you can help. You could recommend us to villages, towns, cities, and coalitions, anyone that would benefit from hearing this talk! Translation: It's portable and can go ANYWHERE! Here is the link for this event if you happen to be in or around Greenville on March 18th: It's A Tough Subject LIVE!!! Ticket info If you cannot come, you can still donate to the cause, and we will use your funds to market the program and offer scholarships to local students! About the...
The Ripple Effect of Suicide
About the Hosts:
Dennis Gillan: Dennis is a co-host of "It's a Tough Subject" and an advocate for mental health awareness through his role at the Half a Sorrow Foundation. He is a seasoned speaker, particularly in the area of suicide prevention and postvention, using his personal experiences to connect with audiences and drive meaningful conversations around this crucial topic.
Jessica Seel: Co-host of "It's a Tough Subject," Jessica holds an undergraduate degree in social work and works within the behavioral health space. Jessica has personal experiences with suicide loss, which fuels her passion for engaging in...
Turning Tragedy into Purpose: When Misery Becomes Your Mission
About the Guest(s):
Dennis Gillan, the Executive Director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness and preventing suicide, and his co-host Jessica Seel. Dennis is an experienced speaker in mental health advocacy following the loss of two brothers to suicide. Together with Jessica, who has also experienced personal loss, they utilize the podcast to support mental health initiatives.
Episode Summary:Season two of "It's a Tough Subject" kicks off with Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel reflecting on the success of their first season and introducing new ideas for the podcast...
Navigating Grief: Finding Purpose Through Pain and Loss
About the Hosts:
Dennis Gillan is a mental health advocate and speaker dedicated to suicide prevention. After personally experiencing the loss of two brothers to suicide, Dennis shifted his focus towards aiding individuals and communities in understanding and addressing mental health issues. He frequently speaks at colleges and companies, sharing his journey and insights to foster open conversations about mental health, trauma, and healing.
Jessica Seel is an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She joins Dennis in their collective mission to destigmatize mental health struggles and promote effective dialogue and support systems. Jessica brings...
Turning Suicide "Sadiversaries" into Celebration of Life Anniversaries
In this emotionally poignant episode of the "Tough Subject" podcast, Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seal tackle the challenging yet crucial topic of dealing with anniversaries of loved ones lost to suicide, or as they term it, "sadiversaries." Airing in October, a significant month for both hosts due to their personal losses, Dennis and Jessica open up about their own experiences and provide listeners with heartfelt advice and insights on navigating such painful memories.
Centered around grief, trauma, and recovery, the discussion highlights how these anniversaries can be both a source of pain and a catalyst for change...
Soul Exhaustion: Surviving Long-Term Grief
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 o...
Finding Your Tribe: The Power of Connection in Mental Health
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/
About the Hosts: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 "...
30 Years After Brother's Suicide: The Painful Anniversary
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...
Real Talk: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health
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.
<...The Power of Vulnerability in Healing
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 dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. As a passionate advocate for mental health, Dennis has turned his personal tragedies into a mission to help others. He has spoken extensively about suicide loss and the importance of mental health support.
Jessica Seel Jessica S...
Healing from Grief: The Journey of Suicide Survivors
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...
Mental Health Matters: From Suicide Prevention to Daily Connection
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.
