Running for a Cause: Josh Blandino's Marathon Mission for Mental Health

Resources: Half a Sorrow Foundation: www.halfasorrow.org Book a Talk with Dennis Gillan: https://halfasorrow.org/book-a-talk/ Make a Donation: https://halfasorrow.org/support-our-work/ Please help this Josh Blandino help us by going here to donate: https://lnkd.in/e4gAQPy7 The goal is 5,000 dollars, and the marathon is Nov 9th. Let's help him out! About the Hosts: Dennis Gillan is a renowned speaker and advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. He uses his personal experience with losing family members to suicide to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by mental health issues. Dennis is involved with various mental health organizations and frequently travels for speaking engagements to help inspire change and promote mental wellness. Episode Summary: In this special intergenerational episode of "It's a Tough Subject," host Dennis Gillan converses with Josh Blandino, a young mental health advocate and marathon runner. This episode revolves around Josh's commitment to running a marathon to support mental health initiatives through Dennis Gillan's foundation. They discuss their common fraternity background, the importance of physical activity for mental well-being, and the inspiring story of Josh's journey from college to undertaking the grueling task of marathon running. This episode is a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and deep insights into mental health challenges and solutions. Throughout the episode, keywords such as "mental health advocacy," "marathon training," and "suicide prevention" are discussed with attention to detail and compassion. Josh Blandino shares his experiences of organizing the Mental Health Mile at Clemson University and how endurance training for the marathon has been both a personal challenge and a source of inspiration. Dennis Gillan, a seasoned mental health speaker, shares insights into the intergenerational conversation around mental health and the impact of small, community-focused initiatives like the Mental Health Mile and Camo Hat Club breakfasts. Together, they emphasize how shared endeavors can amplify joy and halve sorrow for men and women struggling with mental health issues. Key Takeaways: Marathon for a Cause: Josh Blandino is running a marathon in the Outer Banks to raise funds for mental health initiatives, turning personal challenges into opportunities for philanthropy. Intergenerational Conversation: Dennis and Josh discuss common ground from fraternity life that shaped their approach toward mental advocacy and peer support systems. Physical Activity and Mental Health: They highlight the crucial role of exercise in releasing feel-good chemicals and enhancing mental well-being, mentioning that exercise could be equated to saving one's mental health if it were a pill. Gambling and Mental Health Risks: The impact of gambling, especially among young college students, and its potential mental health implications is addressed as a warning sign of larger issues. Community Support Systems: Concepts like the Camo Hat Club are introduced as significant community-driven support initiatives aiming to encourage men to open up about their mental health struggles. Notable Quotes: "There's a pharmacy within our bodies, and we have to work hard to release it." - Dennis Gillan "You learn a lot about yourself in that time period. You learn kind of what's important because you got to manage your time." – Josh Blandino "A shared joy is a double joy, and a shared sorrow is half a sorrow." - Dennis Gillan "This hat actually does have a deeper meaning." – Josh Blandino