.png)
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
Welcome to May 10; "We're All Mad Here" DAILY Mental Health Nugget
“Hello --It is May 10th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You’ve just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let’s get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”
WEEK 2: Madness & Acceptance
Day 10: Today’s truth is: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road can take you there.” Idea: There is no one path in grief.
Grief doesn’t come with a map. And if someone tries to hand you one — toss it out.
Because this path, your path, is going to wind and backtrack and stall. Some days, just getting out of bed will be the win. Other days, you might surprise yourself and laugh, create, connect.
You’re not lost because you don’t know the destination. You’re human. You’re grieving.
There is no schedule. No finish line. No gold stars.
So if all you do today is breathe and survive — that’s enough. If tomorrow holds a spark of light, take it. If not, you’ll find another road when you're ready.
You don’t owe anyone progress.
But you do owe yourself this: grace. And maybe a reminder that wherever you are — that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.
So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry today
Take a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."
[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]
SEE YOU TOMORROW!!!
__________________________________________________________________________
My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada