Dennis Gillan's Bio
Experience
· Suicide Prevention is my life and I’ve been speaking on this topic for over a dozen years.
· Trained in Question—Persuade—Refer (QPR), SafeTalk, ASIST and several other suicide prevention programs.
· Worked at South Carolina Department of Mental Health on suicide prevention grants.
· Volunteered at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
· Was on the board of the South Carolina chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
· Volunteered with NAMI to do crisis intervention training.
· Well known advocate in this field.
· Facilitates a monthly survivor of suicide loss meeting.
· Regional Advisor for Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.
PRESENTATION: Journey Towards Recovery
Dennis uses real-life examples from his life to help the audience understand the risk factors associated with mental health and some of the warning signs that a person may be in serious danger. Dennis is well versed in the statistics surrounding suicide, but he chooses to use a story-telling format to get his point across that love is worth living. He shows up early and stays late, as many in the audience want to share their struggles and successes with Dennis long after he is done speaking. The audience will definitely walk away with a thorough knowledge of the risk factors, warning signs, and positive coping skills needed to get through this thing called life and be ready to help themselves and others with their mental health.
Learning Objectives:
- We will kick the stigma of mental health to the curb together.
- We will hit on the role of alcohol and substances on one’s mental health.
- We will review local and national resources that can truly help the audience.
- We will dispense a big dose of hope while learning to step in before someone steps out.
Dennis Gillan's TEDx Talk
PRESENTATION: Upstream!
Dennis is a firm believer that your mental health is just as important as your physical health and both need to be worked out from time to time. In this talk we will review both positive and negative coping skills regarding mental health and where to seek help when needed.
Learning objectives:
- Destigmatize the ENTIRE conversation surrounding mental health.
- Develop personal safety plans to keep one safe.
- Review positive coping skills like the Purple Folder and the Camo Hat Club.
- Develop real life strategies on how to keep the topic of mental health top of mind!
Dennis on the Fraternity Foodie Podcast
Dudes need Dudes—an IFC Program
Geared towards men’s groups on campus, this program meets men where they are and hits on substance use, means reduction, and how to be an alert brother when needed.