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
A Roundtable Discussion; 8 Brave Moms Speak about Grief, Healing & their Amazing Kids
Today's episode is 8 x as special --- because you will hear from EIGHT moms, it is A LONG EPISODE SO BUCKLE UP -- but it's soooo worth it!!! These ladies are near & dear to my heart as they are all a part of my all-access membership community. These ladies are between 11 months & 3 years in their journey of life after the suicide loss of their child. This community has absolutely surpassed any hopes I had when I started it... these women interact daily & meet weekly plus they get to peek at products early & gain special discounts as new projects & classes roll out. They welcome every new mom with tender hearts & open arms.....
Find out more, or join our mom's community of Super Support HERE
In this episode you will hear from:
Vickie - Calvin (31); Cerita - Gage (17); Kerilyn - Taylor (22); Betty - Tyberius (32); Barb - Donavon (16); Marcie - Kara (23); Crystal - Taylor (18); Rachel -Jane (20)
We talk about our loss, healing and community after loss. And while I know this is a group of moms, I do think that there is great wisdom and nuggets for anyone in this episode!
Watch for UPCOMING ROUNDTABLES with Siblings, Friends and (hopefully) Dads.
Some Links of things that were mentioned in this episode:
- EMDR
- Tim Braun - medium, book and more
- Peyton Heart Project (Vickie calls them 'joy bombs)
- Alliance for Hope
- Faith's Lodge
- Eric's House
- Paul Denniston / Grief yoga
- Dr. Peter Levine - Somatic Experiencing
- Dr. David Kessler - Grief.com
- Totally Got Out of Bed Podcast
- Disney Pixar movie "Inside Out"
- Rebecca Jax Healing
- The Body Keeps the Score Book
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