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
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
___________________________________________
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
___________________________________________
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