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.
Prevent suicide
through connection and compassion.
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.
Book Dennis Gillan
Dennis Gillan, founder and executive director of the Half a Sorrow Foundation, 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.
Support Our Work
We can't do it alone. Your donation enables us to subsidize speaking fees and travel expenses so we can accept more engagements nationwide. By empowering our ability with your financial gift, you help us reach wider audiences, amplify our life-saving impact, and create a society where fewer have to suffer in silence.
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.
leading cause of death in America
of all suicide deaths in 2021 were male
estimated suicide attempts in 2022
suicides per day on average
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
Access Suicide Prevention Resources
Explore our free resources to learn more about suicide prevention and mental health.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
Help is available 24/7. Speak with someone today.
CDC Suicide Prevention Resources
Publications, data, and general resources about suicide.
National Institute of Mental Health
Get help understanding and treating mental illnesses.
Contact us today.
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.