Real Talk: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health

It's a Tough Subject

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.