The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Suicide loss changes everything. This show is about life after suicide—real talk and practical support for grief after suicide: parents, partners, siblings, and friends finding their footing again. Each week, we explore what helps in suicide bereavement so you can keep going with honesty and hope.
Hosted by Melissa Bottorff-Arey, whose 21-year-old son, Alex, died by suicide in 2016, the podcast blends intimate conversations with survivors, healers, and mental health experts with short solo “Daily Nugget” episodes you can actually use. We cover child loss, trauma and nervous-system care, anniversaries and seasons, stigma, faith and meaning, legacy, and the everyday practices that make life livable again. You’ll hear grounded tools, language that honors your person, and the reminder that you are not broken—you are grieving.
For supporters and educators, these episodes offer insight into the realities of suicide grief and what genuine, non-fixing support looks like. If you’d like to share your story or expertise, you can request to be a guest via my website. 💜
Content Note
This podcast speaks candidly about difficult experiences and may feel activating. We avoid method details and graphic description. Please care for yourself as needed. I’m not a doctor or licensed therapist; nothing here is medical or mental-health advice.
The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Trauma Induced Creativity; Why Helping Helps Us
In today's "Down the Rabbit Hole" episode in life after a suicide loss, I talk about why helping helps - you know, why 'getting involved' or writing or painting - HELPS. I go into a lot of things here but the resulting message all ties back to why DOING or HELPING actually helps us move forward and heal!
I have included a few links of 'places & spaces' that you may wish to look at in order to get involved.
- AFSP - Volunteer (many ways to get involved)
- Peyton Heart Project A global project created to help end suicide and bullying and the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
- Active Minds changing the conversation about mental health
- HicksStrong Supporting Heros (helping raise funds and awareness so they can provide therapy to veterans and enlisted military struggling with mental health)
- Everytown for Gun Safety (leading organization that promotes gun safety and support after suicide by firearm)
There are SO MANY place we can find to put our energy - our creativity! Let me know if I can help plug you in based on your interests or passions.
I have also included one of which takes you to the signing up space to get started in our very own "Picking up the Pieces" Community HERE. It's in the beginning phase so dive on in now and help to make it exactly what you need!
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My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my different SUPPORT SPACE Options are available and much more will be coming in 2022
Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where yo9u will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support
My first two books (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
The website again is at www.theleftoverpieces.com
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal t
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Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE
💜 The Leftover Pieces is support central for grieving hearts.
🔗 Stay connected: Join my free email community for weekly check-ins, resources, and encouragement.
🌟 For moms: Explore the $9 Lighthouse Community — safe connection, tools, and hope.
🛠 Resources for all grievers: Start here.
🤝 One-on-one grief coaching for moms after child loss to suicide: Learn more here.
📞 Need help now? If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 in the U.S. & Canada, or text HOME to 741741.