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
Synchronicities and Redefined Motherhood; Reality After Suicide Loss
Today, at the end of Season 2, I go (deep) 'down the rabbit hole' to discuss reality in this solo episode. Since losing your loved one to suicide have you ever questioned reality? I know the edge of reality -and ‘someplace else’ - is a place I have often found myself firmly standing since the loss of my son Alex to suicide in 2016. This has happened for a few reasons I think.
I think synchronicities are partially to blame & the understanding of life & our connection to the afterlife as well. This is a deep topic - I know I only scratch the surface but hopefully, I give you a lot to think about.
So, just to help, let’s define it, from Webster it is:
1. the world or the state of things as they exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them. My son - his energy- exists.
OR
2. the state or quality of having existence or substance. I will make the same argument as above.
Hmmm…right??? So, find your reality & embrace it. You are not alone. Unfortunately, many of us share this reality - & we understand. Life is all about shifts. Some we make. Some happen to us. Some are welcome, others are our worst nightmare- but what we make of these shifts will define our reality. Sending love always.
- For fun Wikis definition of Synchronicity.
- Afterlife by John Edwards
- Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynn Jackson
A blog post that's an interesting perspective -
My Only Child Died, but I Will Always be his Mother
My first two books (in the Survival series of Life After Suicide Loss) are out. Let me help you survive so that you may find Hope and eventually even start to heal.
A Survival Guide; Facing Life After Suicide Loss
AND
The Story of Your Survival; A Guided Journal to Navigate These Dark, Stormy Days
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My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available and much more will be coming in the months ahead leading into 2022
The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com (naturally, right?)
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you
IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258
And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me at The Leftover Pieces