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
What to Say; What Not to Say (TO Suicide Loss Grievers or AS a Griever in Response)
SUCH a complicated topic... BUT it comes up ALL of the time in conversations with other suicide loss grievers. People say all sorts of things to grievers - especially about suicide loss.
THIS IS HARD. Right?
How would we respond to someone in our position before we know what we do now? I know that's asking a lot to have you think about that BUT I do it because ultimately I want us all to have great support from the people that love us - and yes, sometimes they say the wrong thing. (and sometimes they are the wrong people) ? Remember to first care for yourself and your mental wellness, but then when you can, give some grace to the ones that DO come forward and at least see us - because so many do not.
Today I cover -
- The top 9 most common things that myself and fellow grievers hear - not only in the early days but ongoing.
- How we can respond while creating less stress and anxiety for ourselves
- How sometimes we can bring awareness and teach
- How to go about knowing how to respond to these situations for yourself
- Plus some news about a 2023 Moms Grief retreat in Mexico and more. ..
Don't forget to visit MY WEBSITE www.theleftoverpieces.com
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My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central - MY HUB - and that means my different SUPPORT GROUP Options are available and much more will be coming in 2022 and 2023 "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You"
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
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you
IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258
And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me at The Leftover Pieces
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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.