A shared joy is a double joy;

A shared sorrow is half a sorrow.

Half a Sorrow helps workplaces, schools, organizations, and communities deal with suicide risk, cope with loss, and foster connection through education and support.

Help us to prevent suicide by talking about mental health!

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 hurting among us. Too often, individuals suffer in silence with mental health issues that can lead to suicide.

Through compassionate outreach, education, and advocacy, we can foster life-saving connections.

Meet Dennis Gillan

Dennis Gillan is the founder and executive director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation.

Dennis turned his tragedy into purpose after losing his two brothers to suicide. He is a highly sought-after speaker and mental health advocate. His candid story of perseverance creates connection, instills hope, and helps break the stigma of talking about mental health.

Notable Speaking Events

The numbers
speak for themselves.


One suicide is too many. When it happens, predicting the impact on families and organizations is impossible. The grief and pain can feel endless, and contagion is a real possibility. With compassion and community, healing is possible. Half a Sorrow can help.

11th

leading cause of death in America

  • Ages 15-24 (13.5 of 100,000 deaths)
  • Ages 25-34 (18.6 of 100,000 deaths)

80%

of all suicide deaths in 2023 were male

  • Ages 35-44 (19.2 of 100,000 deaths)
  • Ages 45-54 (18.9 of 100,000 deaths)

1500000

estimated suicide attempts in 2023

  • Ages 55-64 (18.7 of 100,000 deaths)
  • Ages 65-74 (15.7 of 100,000 deaths)

131

suicides per day on average in 2023

  • Ages 75-84 (19.4 of 100,000 deaths)
  • Ages 85+ (22.7 of 100,000 deaths)
  • Ages 15-24 15%
  • Ages 25-34 19%
  • Ages 35-44 16%
  • Ages 45-54 18%
  • Ages 55-64 17%
  • Ages 65-74 15%
  • Ages 75-84 19%
  • Age 85+ 22%

Testimonials

"A shared joy is a double joy; a shared sorrow is half a sorrow." - Swedish proverb

Half a Sorrow works tirelessly through speaking engagements, training programs, and advocacy initiatives to spread awareness, eliminate stigma, and foster life-saving human connections. Read a few REAL responses from REAL people:


A message that needs to be heard

Dennis Gillan has an important message that needs to be heard. He shares his personal, hard, difficult story with such raw honesty. Yet, he is a gifted and entertaining speaker that interjects humor in appropriate and timely ways. I highly recommend Dennis Gillan to come speak to your group or organization.

Rev. Rhett Sanders

The best suicide talk I've ever heard

Your talk was so motivational; usually when people talk about suicide, I get this weird feeling inside of me and I get uncomfortable listening to people talking about it. Your talk changed that. It wasn't all sad stories and saying, "this is why you shouldn’t do it." You did it in a more positive way, through not only sharing the sad stories, but sharing good ones too. You made me feel like even I can help at least one person.

Penn State Sigma Kappa Sorority Member

parallax background
 

Are You in the Middle of a Crisis?


Suicide Prevention Hotline

Help is available 24/7. Speak with someone today.

Contact us today.

separator

If you're ready to book a life-saving talk or want more information about how Half a Sorrow can help you or your organization, contact us online today. We will reach out to you a soon as possible.