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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 getting 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. You can always schedule a time to chat about being a guest from my main website.
[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 17; "We're All Mad Here" DAILY Mental Health Nugget
“Hello --It is May 17th 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 3: Control & Surrender
Day 17: Today’s truth is: "I can't go no lower... I'm on the floor, as it is." Idea: Hitting emotional rock bottom.
This is for you if you're here right now— on the floor emotionally, spiritually, or perhaps even physically. It's okay to be here.
There's no pep talk today. No forced optimism or attempt to shine a light on hidden blessings. Just this simple acknowledgment: you are not alone in this struggle. You are still here, and that matters more than you might realize. Your presence in this moment is enough, even if everything feels heavy.
When you hit the floor, survival is the goal—this is your immediate focus, not thriving, not fixing, not finding silver linings.
So today, give yourself permission to stay low if that’s what you need. It’s alright to surrender to this feeling. Be present in this moment and allow yourself the space to feel what you’re feeling. Let yourself lie still if you need to. Breathe deeply and steadily. Cry if it helps. Do nothing if that feels right. Embrace the stillness and let the floor support you, cradling you through this challenging time. There is strength in simply being, even when it feels like you're at your lowest. You are held, you are valid, and you are enough just as you are.
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