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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
Welcome to May 13; "We're All Mad Here" DAILY Mental Health Nugget
“Hello --It is May 13th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You’ve just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”
WEEK 2: Madness & Acceptance
Day 13: Today’s truth is: "I'm not myself, you see." Idea: Identity disturbance.
These words hit deep, don’t they? Because when your child dies, the “you” who existed before — she fractures. The version that shows up now may feel hollow, uncertain, or unrecognizable.
And that’s okay. You’re not broken — you’re in the middle of becoming...becoming what's next. We do not have to engage in the overwhelm of becoming something particular, especially in early grief, just the idea of becoming what's next is all we need to be open to in the beginning.
Grief demands a redefinition. A rebuilding. Today, think of one small part of yourself that still feels familiar. A value. A talent. A piece of your heart - even a small piece.
Let that be your thread. You don’t need the whole tapestry. Just the thread to begin...it will take shape over time, with work and choice and help- one stitch at a time.
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!!!
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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