The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
You have found a podcast about surviving life after a suicide loss, which is nothing short of devastating, leaving you not knowing how to begin picking up the leftover pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, who lost her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide on August 7, 2016, speaks to this from her own experiences. You will hear her have honest, hard conversations with other loss survivors, healers, and mental health experts on the podcast. She also produces shorter, solo episodes where she shares her own thoughts & experiences in this journey (thus far). She explores relevant topics and asks the hard questions. Nothing is 'off limit' as she delves into all areas of this grief, such as trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy & stigma. Melissa believes we learn to live alongside our grief, not get over it. We can make a difference only through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices. For a supporter or educator, these conversations hold nuggets of awareness and shine a spotlight on suicide and grief honestly and unapologetically. As a suicide loss griever, one can find the comfort of a community and hope for a little brighter tomorrow. Melissa wants to help others, like herself, go from surviving to finding a life with meaning, maybe even happiness, amid their own leftover pieces.
[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
What to Say; What Not to Say (TO Suicide Loss Grievers or AS a Griever in Response)
SUCH a complicated topic... BUT it comes up ALL of the time in conversations with other suicide loss grievers. People say all sorts of things to grievers - especially about suicide loss.
THIS IS HARD. Right?
How would we respond to someone in our position before we know what we do now? I know that's asking a lot to have you think about that BUT I do it because ultimately I want us all to have great support from the people that love us - and yes, sometimes they say the wrong thing. (and sometimes they are the wrong people) ? Remember to first care for yourself and your mental wellness, but then when you can, give some grace to the ones that DO come forward and at least see us - because so many do not.
Today I cover -
- The top 9 most common things that myself and fellow grievers hear - not only in the early days but ongoing.
- How we can respond while creating less stress and anxiety for ourselves
- How sometimes we can bring awareness and teach
- How to go about knowing how to respond to these situations for yourself
- Plus some news about a 2023 Moms Grief retreat in Mexico and more. ..
Don't forget to visit MY WEBSITE www.theleftoverpieces.com
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My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central - MY HUB - and that means my different SUPPORT GROUP Options are available and much more will be coming in 2022 and 2023 "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You"
Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where yo9u will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support
My first two books (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
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