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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
Suicide Bereavement: Future Planning Without Panic—One-Inch Plans
You don’t need a five-year plan; one clear next action can steady the day in life after suicide loss.
Journal prompt: “When I picture myself exhaling tomorrow, the action that gets me there is…”
What we mean by a “one-inch plan” (so we’re clear):
A one-inch plan is small, specific, and scheduled—just enough structure to steady tomorrow without overwhelming today. Examples:
- Admin inch: “Print the form and put it by the door at 7:30 a.m.”
- Body inch: “Walk to the mailbox at 3:00 p.m., phone off.”
- Connection inch: “Text Sam at noon: ‘Thinking of you—no need to respond.’”
Keep it to one action, one support, one time. If it takes more than 10 minutes to explain, it’s not one inch.
A Flicker (Hope) — Clarity calms
A single next action can quiet the swirl. Keep that quiet.
To Rebuild (Healing) — The 1-1-1 plan
1 task: one thing you’ll finish tomorrow.
1 support: one person/tool that helps.
1 time: a start time on your calendar (even 10 minutes).
Take a Step (Becoming) — Prep a breadcrumb
Lay out one item you’ll need (document, clothes, water bottle) where you’ll see it. Future-you will thank you.
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Hollow — Write your 1-1-1 in notes. Stop there.
- Healing (medium): Healing — Put the start time on your calendar and set one reminder.
- Becoming (higher): Becoming — Add 1-1-1 blocks for the next three days.
Food for Thought Today:
Panic feeds on vagueness. One clear inch is often enough to move—then you plan the next inch from a steadier place. Progress, not pressure.
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.