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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
Life After Suicide Loss: Self-Witnessing When Others Can’t Hold It
When the right listener isn’t available, witnessing yourself—note or voice memo—keeps you seen and grounded in suicide bereavement.
Journal prompt: “If I gave myself 10% more gentleness, I would…”
Sometimes the right listener isn’t available. Today we make sure you still get heard.
A Flicker (Hope) — Proof you exist
Your words on paper or in a memo are evidence. Seeing or hearing yourself can soften the edge—keep that proof.
To Rebuild (Healing) — 5-minute self-witness
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Speak or write:
• What happened (facts, not drama).
• What I feel (one word is enough).
• What I need next (water, rest, boundary, help).
Stop when the timer ends. No editing.
Take a Step (Becoming) — Create a safe container
Start a private note titled “Witness Log” or a folder of voice memos. Date today’s entry. That’s your place to come back to.
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Write one sentence: “Right now I feel ____ and I need ____.”
- Healing (medium): Do the full 5-minute self-witness and drink a glass of water after.
- Becoming (higher): Add a repeating “Witness Log” reminder 3x/week.
Food for Thought Today:
Being your own witness is not a consolation prize; it’s a discipline. Each honest entry quiets the part of you bracing to be misunderstood. You’re teaching your system that your truth has a home.
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.