Postvention as Prevention: Healing After Suicide Loss

About the Guest: John Denny is a chaplain with the U.S. Army and an experienced crisis intervention specialist. With extensive training in critical incident response and traumatic event management, he has devoted his career to helping individuals and organizations process grief and trauma. He is the founder of Philos, a nonprofit organization dedicated to postvention and trauma response, providing support and resources for those affected by loss and crisis. Episode Summary: In this emotionally impactful episode of "It's a Tough Subject," hosts Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel welcome their first guest, John Denny, a chaplain with the U.S. Army. The episode starts with Dennis recounting how he and John met during their time at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and how they collaborated on postvention—the crucial follow-up after a suicide has occurred. This episode sheds light on the significance of addressing grief openly in various communities, including businesses and churches, emphasizing that postvention is a vital element of suicide prevention. Throughout the conversation, John Denny discusses the critical role of his organization, Philos, in providing postvention services. He talks about how Philos works with businesses, schools, and churches to create supportive environments where grief can be openly discussed and processed. John explains the idea of peer-trained teams within organizations to tackle trauma and talks about the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. The hosts and John share personal experiences and insights, stressing the need for compassionate responses and the long-term benefits of addressing grief at its roots. Key Takeaways: Role of Postvention: The work of postvention, or addressing grief head-on following a suicide, is crucial for further suicide prevention and community healing. Philos Support Services: John Denny's nonprofit, Philos, aids organizations by training peer teams to provide psychological first aid and crisis intervention in the wake of traumatic events. Breaking Stigma: Highlighting the stigma surrounding mental health, the conversation encourages open dialogues about trauma, thereby facilitating healing and reducing long-term psychological damage. Impact of Compassionate Support: Families, businesses, and communities benefit immensely when grief and loss are articulated, shared, and supported rather than ignored. Healing Through Shared Stories: Sharing personal experiences of trauma and grief can create a community of support and understanding, reducing the burden of isolation for those affected. Notable Quotes: "For me, there's probably nothing more sacred than walking with people in their time of despair." - John Denny "People don't know what to say. They either don't say anything at all or say the wrong thing." - John Denny "You need to be able to understand how to walk with people and sit with them in their suck and their grief." - John Denny "If we don't do postvention right, we'll have these post-traumatic behaviors." - Dennis Gillan "If y'all are doing it, Dennis and Jessica, maybe it's okay if I'm true and able to share some of my pain and struggle with someone else." - John Denny Resources: Half a Sorrow Foundation It's a Tough Subject Live - Get Tickets Here - Only $15 Philos Support Services Reach out to John Denny for more insights and resources on postvention. Tune into the full episode to delve deeper into these topics and hear more about how postvention can significantly impact suicide prevention and the healing process. Stay connected with "It's a Tough Subject" for more valuable discussions and expert guests.