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Dennis Gillan

Mental Health Advocate

Dennis Gillan is on a mission to reverse the current trends in completed suicides & to seriously reduce the stigma associated with getting help for one's mental health. The audience loves his comeback story of surviving the loss of two brothers to suicide. You will be glad you heard him speak.

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Bio

Dennis Gillan is the Executive Director of the Half A Sorrow Foundation, and their mission is to improve mental health by promoting real conversations.

Dennis lost two brothers to suicide, eleven years apart. After years of sitting on the sidelines, he jumped into helping those in need by working on the suicide prevention hotline when he lived in Chicago. After moving to South Carolina, Dennis got involved with several non-profits and lobbied tirelessly for more mental health spending.

Dennis has a real gift for telling his personal story of how he recovered from the loss of his two brothers and what he has learned along the way, and the audience really responds. He makes the room feel safe, and people stick around to talk to him for hours after his talk.

Watch his speaker reel and then hire this guy—he will not disappoint!

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Keynotes

Featured Keynote

Three Brothers, Two Suicides, One Story of Perseverance

In this talk, Dennis takes your audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as he explains how he recovered from the suicide deaths of both of his brothers. Following the latest guidelines on speaking about suicide and suicide prevention, Dennis will discuss the warning signs of mental distress, the benefits of therapy, and how he found peace in sobriety.

Dennis has a unique presentation style and will use humor to help this message land. In the end, the message is real and relatable for all who attend.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training (Breakout Session)

QPR Suicide Prevention Training (Breakout Session)

Dennis is certified to provide this training from the QPR Institute. The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world.
Come to Me (Breakout Session)

Come to Me (Breakout Session)

This is a new workshop where the participants consider both sides of the mental illness equation----those who have the condition, and those around them. In this session, Dennis sets up practical sessions where coming out is practiced and the proper response is rehearsed. Both sides will walk away with the understanding that there is no stigma necessary when it comes to mental health.

Topics

TED-Talks

Dennis Gillan Sizzle Reel

Quick Snippet of Dennis in Action!

Dying Alone | Dennis Gillan | TEDxHickory

Book Signing!

Great Interview on Truth Moment

Dennis Gillan Suicide Prevention....This is What I Do!

Dennis Talks To Survivors of Suicide Loss

Sleeping (Off the Job) to Improve Performance and Mental Wellness

Great article written for the construction industry executive about the importance of sleep.

How this Reddit Thread Furthers the Discussion on Suicide Prevention

Probably the best article I have ever written (borrowed) from people who have been there....must read!

TWO THINGS THAT HELPED ME RECOVER FROM TWO SUICIDES

Guest blog post for a site dealing with mental health!

Best. Intro. Ever.

Best. Intro. Ever. I was getting ready to do a virtual talk for a group and this woman who heard me speak four years earlier wanted to introduce me.....this is her introduction!

Dennis Gillan Media Page

Various places where I was a guest, appeared on the news, or wrote a blog. Check it out!

2022 Nice Shoes

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Dennis tackled a difficult topic with honesty, transparency, and emotion. Suicide is such an important topic to talk about so that we can reduce the stigma and save lives. Thank you for all that you do to accomplish this, Dennis!

ASHP

Exceptional speaker - one of the best I've ever heard at a conference. Powerful message. I left feeling empowered and resolved to help others.

ASHP Participants

Absolutely the best session yet. Should be at least twice yearly speaker for ASHP.

ASHP Testimonial

As someone who struggles with mental health and has many people in their life who do as well, I usually hate mental health presentations - especially suicide prevention ones. However, this one is completely different! Dennis will have you laughing the whole time, while still discussing points. This is the first and only suicide prevention presentation that I have genuinely enjoyed. Thank you!

College gig

Dennis is inspirational, emotional, funny, and real—his story is personal, relevant, and touching! His insight, practical tools, and support make you really feel you are not alone! A powerful piece of emotion told in a beautiful, but raw format. Touching and inspiring to be that little bit better for yourself and those around you. An investment in reality and a personal journey in understanding the true nature and impact of suicide. Dennis provided a raw but touching account of his experiences, allowing each of us to reflect personally and professionally about the preciousness of life. I came away from that session with my eyes opened Powerful and connecting are the two main words that come to mind. I am blessed to have not lost a friend or family member to suicide, but there have been attempts by a loved one and this opened my eyes on some potential ways to help that I haven't yet tried Powerful. Hopeful. You are not alone, and you can get through even the darkest of times. This session made this truth evident and realistically attainable: You matter, and you can make a difference—for others, but most importantly, for yourself. Very emotional and thought-provoking I am more informed and equipped to spot risks in my community Thank you

Corporate Gig

He was really able to connect with us as an audience while still touching on really sensitive subjects and spreading awareness for them. I was deeply inspired and would absolutely love to hear him speak again!

New Feedback This Year

This keynote was amazing!! What a power message today. Its nice to feel the speakers feelings of truth. Just powerful. Thank you Great presentation! Truly inspirational - I loved this, I was really touched by his story and I truly do appreciate him sharing it with us today.

Thomas Bonine Suicide Prevention Conference

Thank YOU! I've gotten a lot of positive feedback and shared information with those that were unable to attend. Your presentation was truly a blessing. Not just for my household, but for others!!!! I will be passing your name out to everyone I meet to have you out!!! Thank you for the work you do! Thank you for turning your tragedy into a calling to help others. Thank you for sharing your brothers with us! If they were anything like you, I know they were incredible men! YOU are a blessing to so many directly and indirectly. Thank you, Tricia

Tricia R.

Dennis turned an unfortunate situation into a lesson for young women to learn from. From losing brothers to suffering himself, he spoke intellectually about how to make it through the tough times. I've had 2 family members pass away (dad's brother from suicide, cousin from heroin) and it truly changed my perspective on life to always check in on those you love. Even the ones smiling. Dennis made me feel seen, and I'm glad he was able to spread the word to my whole sorority. ---- It was the most beneficial session that Zeta has had. Dennis was so engaging, and his story was so powerful and moving, and mental health is something that everyone, no matter who they are or where they are, should talk about. It was so eye-opening and beneficial to our chapter. ---- It was awesome!! Usually not a big fan of guest speakers, but he was honestly incredible. Such a touchy topic, but he did so well talking about it and made it so interesting to all of us girls!! 10 out of 10!! ---- Dennis had very inspiring things to say about a very heavy topic. He did so in a very light way that made it a much more engaging and enjoyable talk. There wasn't a boring part of this entire presentation

Zeta Tau Alpha

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Dennis Gillan

Bio

Keynotes

Three Brothers, Two Suicides, One Story of Perseverance

Topics

Dennis tackled a difficult topic with honesty, transparency, and emotion. Suicide is such an important topic to talk about so that we can reduce the stigma and save lives. Thank you for all that you do to accomplish this, Dennis!

Exceptional speaker - one of the best I've ever heard at a conference. Powerful message. I left feeling empowered and resolved to help others.

Absolutely the best session yet. Should be at least twice yearly speaker for ASHP.

He was really able to connect with us as an audience while still touching on really sensitive subjects and spreading awareness for them. I was deeply inspired and would absolutely love to hear him speak again!

This keynote was amazing!! What a power message today. Its nice to feel the speakers feelings of truth. Just powerful. Thank you Great presentation! Truly inspirational - I loved this, I was really touched by his story and I truly do appreciate him sharing it with us today.

Let's find your perfect speaker!

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Dennis Gillan

Bio

Keynotes

Three Brothers, Two Suicides, One Story of Perseverance

QPR Suicide Prevention Training (Breakout Session)

Come to Me (Breakout Session)

Topics

Dennis tackled a difficult topic with honesty, transparency, and emotion. Suicide is such an important topic to talk about so that we can reduce the stigma and save lives. Thank you for all that you do to accomplish this, Dennis!

Exceptional speaker - one of the best I've ever heard at a conference. Powerful message. I left feeling empowered and resolved to help others.

Absolutely the best session yet. Should be at least twice yearly speaker for ASHP.

He was really able to connect with us as an audience while still touching on really sensitive subjects and spreading awareness for them. I was deeply inspired and would absolutely love to hear him speak again!

This keynote was amazing!! What a power message today. Its nice to feel the speakers feelings of truth. Just powerful. Thank you Great presentation! Truly inspirational - I loved this, I was really touched by his story and I truly do appreciate him sharing it with us today.

Let's find your perfect speaker!

Explore

Quick Links

Keep Up To Date