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The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Suicide loss changes everything. The Leftover Pieces® Podcast explores life after suicide through honest conversations with survivors, experts, and grieving parents learning to live forward after unimaginable loss. Parents, partners, siblings, and friends share what it means to keep living when the world has been forever changed.
Hosted by Melissa Bottorff-Arey, whose 21-year-old son Alex died by suicide in 2016, the show blends intimate conversations with survivors, healers, and mental health professionals with short solo reflections you can actually use. Together we explore child loss, trauma and nervous-system care, anniversaries and seasons, stigma, faith and meaning, legacy, and the everyday practices that help make life livable again.
At its heart, this podcast is about learning to live forward after loss. We never move on from the people we love, but we can learn to carry the grief differently. This road can feel incredibly lonely—but you are not alone here.
For supporters, educators, and professionals, these conversations also offer insight into the realities of suicide grief and what genuine, non-fixing support can look like.
If you’d like to share your story or expertise, you can request to be a guest through Melissa’s website.
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Content Note
This podcast speaks candidly about grief and suicide loss and may feel activating for some listeners. We avoid graphic descriptions and discussion of suicide methods. Please care for yourself as needed. Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing shared here should be considered medical or mental-health advice.
The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Grief Hangovers are Real; Are You an Intervention or Prevention Griever?
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Today I am down the rabbit hole to discuss the concept of a grief hangover. Yep, it's a real thing ....at least I say it is. I did not coin the phrase but i also don't recall ever hearing it before, yet a simple internet search tells me that I am not the only one who thinks it's that 'thing'. The day before, of and after a "day" (birthday, loss, day, holiday...) can be absolute hell and you may be left with a massive grief hangover if you aren't prepared. Let me offer some thoughts that may just help! (turns out, I needed the reminder too!)
Today, I have three top takeaways on this subject:
- First, give yourself plenty of space and Grace. You need flexibility, time for yourself.... These will all lay a foundation for the other. 2.
- Second have a backup plan... this will give you a safety net as well as a way out - or at least relief -when a 'hangover' happens
- 3rd, make a plan.... Intentionality and mindfulness go a long way in the prevention. of a hangover, or perhaps keeping it at bay more than if you didn't use these tools
Forethought, mindfulness and participation/planning are keys here. Take good care good you, my friend!
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.
PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished BUT you can get on the list for the FINAL Group of the year starting August 14 group NOW!!
For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
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Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE
💜 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.