The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
You have found a podcast about surviving life after a suicide loss, which is nothing short of devastating, leaving you not knowing how to begin picking up the leftover pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, who lost her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide on August 7, 2016, speaks to this from her own experiences. You will hear her have honest, hard conversations with other loss survivors, healers, and mental health experts on the podcast. She also produces shorter, solo episodes where she shares her own thoughts & experiences in this journey (thus far). She explores relevant topics and asks the hard questions. Nothing is 'off limit' as she delves into all areas of this grief, such as trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy & stigma. Melissa believes we learn to live alongside our grief, not get over it. We can make a difference only through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices. For a supporter or educator, these conversations hold nuggets of awareness and shine a spotlight on suicide and grief honestly and unapologetically. As a suicide loss griever, one can find the comfort of a community and hope for a little brighter tomorrow. Melissa wants to help others, like herself, go from surviving to finding a life with meaning, maybe even happiness, amid their own leftover pieces.
[Please NOTE: This podcast is for only relational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It candidly and openly discusses sensitive and sometimes activating topics. There will be no in-depth or graphic descriptions of the method, but merely the possible mention of suicide, murder, rape, and the like. Be guided and care for yourself accordingly. Also, Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing on this podcast should be taken in place of, or as, medical/mental health advice or recommendations.]
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
Are We Too Sensitive?; Why the Empathetic Become Changemakers
Today I “go down the rabbit hole” to talk about what’s on my mind… And this past week that’s been a lot! The title of today’s episode is “Are We Too Sensitive?; Why the Empathetic Become Changemakers!”
I am fired up by recent events and as you can guess, there’s a lot that can be unpacked here — I promise I won't go too deep but I hope that I scratch the surface just enough to highlight hope & even spark inspiration.
If you are reading this, I hope you will pause for a moment to remember all of the children, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends that we have lost to suicide. I also hope you will take a moment to remember the children we have lost to senseless gun violence in America. #wemustdobetter
Have you been to my website yet?? "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You"
Visit EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY HERE to get involved or find support
and HERE to find their area on Suicide by Firearm Support
To Visit AFSP's website area on DEMAND MORE FROM MENTAL HEALTH
and AFSP's area for Survivors
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My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central and that means my different SUPPORT GROUP Options are available and much more will be coming in 2022 and 2023
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