The Pain of Suicide Loss, and the Power of Naming It – Melissa Bottorff-Arey
“We're not moving on — we're moving forward.”
In this touching episode of Uncomfy, grief coach Melissa Bottorff-Arey opens up to host Julie Rose about losing her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide, and why she chose to name it in his obituary.
Melissa shares how stigma, silence, and misunderstanding compound the pain of suicide loss, especially for mothers. She explains how simply showing up, even when you don't know what to say, can make all the difference, and how separating a person from the way they died can be a crucial part of healing.
Melissa’s website and podcast, The Leftover Pieces - https://www.theleftoverpieces.com/
If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free & available 24/7.
Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-pain-of-suicide-loss-and-power-of.html
CHAPTERS
00:00 Content Warning
00:25 Introduction
01:07 Meet Melissa Bottorff-Arey
01:21 Discussing Suicide Openly
04:20 Misconceptions About Suicide
08:19 Normalizing Suicidality
10:40 Supporting Grieving Mothers
13:15 Alex's Legacy
14:37 Conclusion and Resources
In this touching episode of Uncomfy, grief coach Melissa Bottorff-Arey opens up to host Julie Rose about losing her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide, and why she chose to name it in his obituary.
Melissa shares how stigma, silence, and misunderstanding compound the pain of suicide loss, especially for mothers. She explains how simply showing up, even when you don't know what to say, can make all the difference, and how separating a person from the way they died can be a crucial part of healing.
Melissa’s website and podcast, The Leftover Pieces - https://www.theleftoverpieces.com/
If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free & available 24/7.
Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-pain-of-suicide-loss-and-power-of.html
CHAPTERS
00:00 Content Warning
00:25 Introduction
01:07 Meet Melissa Bottorff-Arey
01:21 Discussing Suicide Openly
04:20 Misconceptions About Suicide
08:19 Normalizing Suicidality
10:40 Supporting Grieving Mothers
13:15 Alex's Legacy
14:37 Conclusion and Resources
Activity