Finding Your Tribe: The Power of Connection in Mental Health

It's a Tough Subject

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 "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.

Episode Summary:

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.

Key Takeaways:

• 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.

Notable Quotes:

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

Resources:

• 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.