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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: Keep/Recover Who You Are — Identity Words
Identity doesn’t vanish after suicide loss; name the parts that still fit and make room for them on purpose.
Journal prompt: “Where I feel most like myself lately is…”
Identity doesn’t vanish; it gets buried. Today we name the parts of you that still fit—and make room for them on purpose.
A Flicker (Hope) — A familiar thread
Notice one moment you felt like you this week—how you spoke, moved, created, cared. Keep that thread.
To Rebuild (Healing) — Pick 1–2 identity words
Examples: listener, maker, advocate, steady, honest, curious, playful, caretaker, organizer. Circle 1–2 that land today. Write them at the top of your notes app.
Take a Step (Becoming) — Put identity on the calendar (≤10 min)
Tie one micro-act to your word:
- Maker: lay out one tool (sketchbook, yarn, instrument) and touch it for 10 minutes.
- Advocate: send one supportive message or share one resource.
- Listener/Steady: check in on one person with a two-sentence text.
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Hollow — Whisper your word once. Put a hand on your chest and breathe out longer than in.
- Healing (medium): Healing — Do one 10-minute identity act; stop when the timer ends.
- Becoming (higher): Becoming — Schedule this identity act 3 times this week.
Food for Thought Today:
Identity isn’t a costume you perform; it’s a way your love moves through the room. When you choose one small act that matches who you are, you’re not pretending you’re okay—you’re remembering yourself in real time.
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.