Refusing to be Awkward in the Face of Suicide w/ guest Donna Wolff

After having struggled with his mental health for some time and having four previous attempts, Zebulun made the decision to end his life on March 1 of his senior year at just 18 years of age. Now, 14 years later, Donna Wolff has made it her life’s mission to create beauty amidst the tragedy. She has dedicated her life towards speaking openly about the loss of her son to suicide, not to trigger or cause harm for anyone listening but rather to continue the conversation so that we may hold space for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and those remaining after the loss of a loved one to suicide.

So... how do we have these awkward conversations in life?

Talking to someone who is struggling with their mental health doesn’t have to be intimidating. Simply remain open and honest from a place of love. “How are you today? No, seriously, talk to me. Are you okay? I’ve been seeing this... I’ve been hearing this... I’ve been noticing this... People sometimes who are doing or saying these things are thinking of suicide. Are you thinking of suicide?”

Don’t be afraid to have those awkward conversations as you never know whose life you might impact for the better. Mental illness is a disease just like any other that can affect the mind and body. Releasing the stigma helps reduce the fears behind speaking openly and honestly. Please follow the links below for more on the benefits of having those very real and much needed conversations.

The Awkward Conversation: https://youtu.be/fV1CQaTTvzE

Seize The Awkward: https://youtu.be/r47l4eUU1bc

Loss is loss. Yet in the face of someone taking their own life, family and friends often become silent and treat the death with shame and judgment. It’s okay to bring a casserole to the surviving family. It’s okay to offer to fold their laundry, clean their house, watch their kids, or run to the store for them. It’s okay to share stories and say the name of the person who has died.

Grief is very personal but it doesn’t have to be isolating. Eighty percent of people left by suicide can also experience suicidal ideations. In lieu of telling someone what they should be doing, choose to be lovingly present, holding space for them to grieve. They need community. They need support. They need you.

Together, we can help #StopSuicide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at

1-800-273-8255 or 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting

TALK to 741741. These services are free and confidential.

Donna is the President of Northeast NE Suicide Prevention Coalition, a mother, survivor of suicide loss, cosmetologist, Domestic Violence Community Outreach Advocate, certified in Basic Mediation, facilitator of a support group and has done numerous speaking events since losing her son. She also works with the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska as a Prevention Specialist and with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska as a Training & Outreach Specialist. Being native herself, her mission in life now is to share her son’s story, reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and let others know they CAN survive and THRIVE after a suicide loss.

In the words of Donna Wolff and her native culture, YOU ARE WORTHY!

Angee’s Mug: “Keep It, Spicy”

Jaime’s Mug: “Unstoppable Together, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop”

Follow Donna through the Northeast NE Suicide Prevention Coalition Facebook Page at

https://www.facebook.com/NortheastNESuicidePreventionCoalition?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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