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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
Josh Halu of Psychedelic Exchange; Plant Medicine & Trauma Treatment
Today, I share my conversation with the Founder of PsycheX, Josh Halu, and his invited guest, suicide loss survivor-mom Natika Terrell. Plant Medicine has gotten a bad rap, becoming stigmatized in 'hippie culture' that led to government bans, which are (thankfully) now beginning to disappear, allowing for unparalleled mental health research and incredible breakthroughs! I did not step into this topic lightly. While I have been curious for a while (as I know several people who have greatly benefited from psychedelics), allowing that stigma to play a role, I have kept it at arms distance at best. Then Josh Halu reached out. I have been researching, listening, and even leaning in ever since. I am very excited to share this conversation with you, hoping it may add another possibility to your toolbox!
PsycheX's Mission: Is to create a unified, trustworthy, and inclusive platform that fosters connections, education, and opportunities in the psychedelic industry.
Their Vision:
To make psychedelics a cornerstone of mental health care by developing the most comprehensive, trusted, and inclusive platform for resources, education, and therapy options.
Today, we discuss plant medicines such as ketamine, ayahuasca, mdma, mushrooms (psilocybin), and more...
Find PsycheX HERE
Meet Josh
"Josh Halu, Founder and CEO of The Psychedelic Exchange, is a dynamic leader committed to revolutionizing mental health care through the innovative use of psychedelic therapies. His background, steeped in military leadership from his time at West Point and as an Army Officer, fuels his dedication to a critical mission: bringing the number of veteran suicides down to zero. With his deep understanding of mental illnesses, including trauma, depression, and PTSD, as well as the unique challenges faced by veterans, Josh is pioneering new approaches in mental health care. He strives to transform the landscape of treatment and support for all, while destigmatizing the use of psychedelic medicines for mental wellness."
Find JOSH HERE on his WEBSITE
Reach him at info@psychex.com Here on Instagram
Meet Natika
Natika Terrell is a mother who has used psychedelics to aid in healing the trauma of losing her daughter, Carla to suicide in February of 2015. Through this loss journey she has been able to be more vulnerable in sharing her story as well as how she is facing life now. She aspires to be a motivational speaker who helps to be a voice for mental health including the power of psychedelics and plant medicine for mental health and healing.
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[Please note that this episode is not intended as an endorsement of psychedelics, and Melissa is not a doctor or medical professional. As always, you should consider seeking medical (or appropriate) guidance when considering their use & possible outcomes.]
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.
REGISTER for Monthly SUPPORT after Suicide loss HERE
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