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
Lisa Johnson of Honor Connor; How to Walk & Talk for Hope
Today I share my talk with Lisa Johnson. She is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Honor Connor - a nonprofit who's mission it is to stop the stigma and start the conversation around mental health, addiction & suicide loss. Honor Connor also provides hope & healing to those affected by suicide loss by providing education & resources. Lisa & her husband Scott started Honor Connor after they lost their son Connor in 2016 to suicide after a struggle with depression, anxiety, cancer and substance abuse.
Lisa talks openly about:
- the total devastation that suicide leaves in its wake
- how isolating this loss can be but until you live it, you just don't understand - hence the need for conversation & education
- how survivors need to find hope and support to start to heal
- how everything changes and that you have to do things differently now
- why they started Honor Connor
- what programs and events Honor Connor is currently providing
To find Lisa and Honor Connor go to the WEBSITE HERE
We also talked a lot about the upcoming 2nd Annual Walk & Talk for Hope. The 2nd Annual Honor Connor Walk & Talk for Hope is an opportunity for all of us to invite our family and/or friends to get together for dedicated time to Walk & Talk about the stuff that really matters.
As one of Honor Connor's signature programs, they encourage everyone to join them virtually or in person at one of the two satellite locations.
Each registered walker will receive Honor Connor’s 'Conversation Starter - Digital Tool Kit' to support you starting the conversation on the day of the walk, and every day.
Register for free and join on
Saturday, November 26th to Walk & Talk for Hope!
GO directly to the Walk & Talk page HERE to register for free
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central - MY HUB - and that means my different SUPPORT GROUP Options are available. Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where you 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:
CALL 988
OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258