The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
This podcast focuses on surviving life after a suicide loss, an experience that can be devastating and leave you feeling lost as you try to pick up the pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, lost her 21-year-old son, Alex, to suicide on August 7, 2016, and brings (& often shares) her insights from her personal journey.
In each episode, Melissa engages in honest and challenging conversations with other survivors of loss, healers, and mental health experts. She also produces shorter solo episodes where she reflects on her own thoughts and experiences thus far. The podcast covers a wide range of relevant topics and addresses difficult questions. Melissa explores all aspects of grief, including trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy, and stigma. She believes that we learn to live alongside our grief rather than get ing over it. Actual change comes through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices.
For supporters or educators, these conversations provide valuable insights and shine a light on suicide and grief genuinely and unapologetically. Listeners who are grieving a suicide loss can find comfort in the community and hope for a better tomorrow. Melissa aims to help others, like herself, transition from merely surviving to discovering a life filled with meaning and, potentially, even happiness amid the leftover pieces around you.
[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
The New Year Griefy Blues; Is This Normal??
Today I talk about how many of us grievers find ourselves feeling MORE tired, MORE emotional and yes, MORE Griefy than we were during the holidays (or at least AS griefy) and yet it seems wrong. Afterall, the freaking holidays are past. They are over for another year ad we should feel "better", RIGHT???
Well .... NOT necessarily and probably not YET. It is very normal to feel this "melty" AFTER the holidays. In this short journey down the rabbit hole today i will talk about:
- Why it's normal to be "meltier" AFTER the holidays.
- Some suggestions to slow down and take care during this time (and times like this)
- A few updates - including the NEW Down the rabbit Hole Q & A sessions that start Jan. 22
I closed the episode with this reminder. It's a poem by Donna Ashworth
(You can find Donna here HERE)
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Keep it simple,
your life,
you can only do so much,
and the simple things are there to fuel your heart.
When the waves of overwhelm start to crash against your wall.
Keep it simple,
you can only do so much.
It’s the simple, everyday, that will help you on your way.
Look around, take in the moment, be at ease.
When the winds of worry roar against the castle you have built,
Take a rest, feel your heartbeat, be at peace.
Keep it simple,
your life,
you can only do so much,
and the little things are there to bring you joy.
When the hounds of dark and dread begin to howl inside your mind.
Keep it simple,
you can only do so much.
Donna Ashworth
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If you are a mom, have you tried one of my support group options? This is not your typical 'support group'.... this is a welcoming and supportive community of friends, all walking this same path but not wanting to do it alone. Look at the options HERE
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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