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The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Suicide loss changes everything. This show is about life after suicide—real talk and practical support for grief after suicide: parents, partners, siblings, and friends finding their footing again. Each week, we explore what helps in suicide bereavement so you can keep going with honesty and hope.
Hosted by Melissa Bottorff-Arey, whose 21-year-old son, Alex, died by suicide in 2016, the podcast blends intimate conversations with survivors, healers, and mental health experts with short solo “Daily Nugget” episodes you can actually use. We cover child loss, trauma and nervous-system care, anniversaries and seasons, stigma, faith and meaning, legacy, and the everyday practices that make life livable again. You’ll hear grounded tools, language that honors your person, and the reminder that you are not broken—you are grieving.
For supporters and educators, these episodes offer insight into the realities of suicide grief and what genuine, non-fixing support looks like. If you’d like to share your story or expertise, you can request to be a guest via my website. 💜
Content Note
This podcast speaks candidly about difficult experiences and may feel activating. We avoid method details and graphic description. Please care for yourself as needed. I’m not a doctor or licensed therapist; nothing here is medical or mental-health advice.
The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Healing After Suicide: Boring Bricks That Save the Day (Food • Water • Rest)
Relief after refuel is real—practical grace steadies life after suicide loss.
Journal prompt: “If I gave myself 10% more gentleness, I would…”
Grace is practical. The basics aren’t glamorous, but they are medicine.
A Flicker (Hope) — Relief after refuel
Notice how the room feels different after water, a snack, or ten minutes horizontal. That ease is data—keep it.
To Rebuild (Healing) — The FWR check (2 minutes)
Food: Protein + fiber in the next hour (yogurt, nuts, egg, hummus + crackers).
Water: Drink a full glass now; set a reminder for two more today.
Rest: Choose one—10-minute lie-down, 20-minute walk, or power-down screens 30 minutes early.
Take a Step (Becoming) — Stage tomorrow’s basics
Set out a water bottle, prep one snack, and block a 20-minute “walk or lie-down” on your calendar. Make tomorrow easier now.
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Drink a full glass of water and eat a handful of something simple. Done.
- Healing (medium): Do the full FWR check once today.
- Becoming (higher): Batch-prep two snacks and schedule your rest window for the week.
Today, I Leave you Here:
Your worth isn’t measured by how well you push through. The basics are not “cheats”; they’re scaffolding. Feed the body, water the system, lower the lights—then watch how much more humane the day becomes.
Exhale. Keep what serves you; leave the rest. I’ll be here again tomorrow. 💜
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💜 The Leftover Pieces is support central for grieving hearts.
🔗 Stay connected: Join my free email community for weekly check-ins, resources, and encouragement.
🌟 For moms: Explore the $9 Lighthouse Community — safe connection, tools, and hope.
🛠 Resources for all grievers: Start here.
🤝 One-on-one grief coaching for moms after child loss to suicide: Learn more here.
📞 Need help now? If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 in the U.S. & Canada, or text HOME to 741741.