Episode Details

Today is a special episode of the Live Inspired podcast in light of September being Suicide Prevention Month 2017. Dennis Gillan joins us to share his story on a topic that affects us all: Mental health. He's committed his life to reducing the number of completed suicides and removing the stigma around mental health after losing his own two brothers to suicide.

Today's episode will help us break down the stigma around mental health and better care for ourselves, those we love and those who are in the wake of suicide already. Don't miss this powerful episode.

SHOW NOTES:

• Talk saves lives. If you're dealing with mental health issues, diagnosed or not, know that it's okay to talk about it.
• 9 out of 10 people who die from suicide have a mental illness.
• Dennis was away at college when his older brother Mark died by suicide. "I came home for the funeral but didn't even stay a week. As a family we just kept going as if things were normal. I didn't see a counselor - I started drinking a lot."
• "When suicide happens, it's like everyone sitting around the table and a grenade goes off and someone is not there when the smoke clears and everyone asks: "What happened!?"
  • Every 13 minutes someone commits suicide, every 14 minutes there are people asking "What happened?"
• 11 years later, Dennis's younger brother Matt died by suicide.
• People often feel like they don't know what to say or do after a suicide: Just show up. It's called the ministry of presence.
• I was reminded of how good people are when I was low. Someone anonymously mowed my lawn and it made such a difference; reminded me someone cared + took a burden off.
• After my second brother died from suicide, I gave up alcohol.
  • I did it one day at a time + with the help of a counselor.
  • I have fallen in love with sobriety. I used to think I'd be missing out. Now, my only regret is I didn't do it sooner.
  • Surround yourself with positive people. Men need men - I meet with a group every week. They give me hope/social connection which was important because when I got depressed I wanted to withdraw.
• How to get ahead of suicide:
  • Talk about mental health. 90% of completed suicides are by people with mental health issues; we need to be as comfortable talking about mental health as a broken leg.
  • 20% seek treatment. If you're not feeling well mentally, see somebody. It doesn't take all your problems away, but will stack them up neater + help you cope.
  • It's okay to say 'I'm not okay.'
  • "Be real. Life isn't all skittles + unicorns. We know this."
  • Watch the video where Dennis talks about the last night he drank.
• "I hid it for a long time. When I started talking about my brothers and their deaths, I was amazed at the deeper relationships I have with people + how we relate to this topic."
• "When we share our joy its a double joy when we share our sorrow its have a sorrow." - Swedish proverb
• After sitting on my hands for 18 years, my healing accelerated the minute I started getting real, being open.
• Check out these tips from National Association of Mental Illness to Take Charge of your Mental Health + Support a Loved One's Mental Health.
• Join the conversation on social media using #SuicidePrevention and #StigmaFree

DENNIS GILLAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read?

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