Resources for You; Help Along the Way
I provide resources to help you find the support you need and connect you to other suicide loss grievers and communities. You will also find Podcasts, Apps, and media to interact with. My recommended reading list includes Books, Journals, and cards. I've also provided a list of professionals offering Support, Healing, coaching, and some incredibly helpful National Organizations.
CLICK the category BUTTONS BELOW to go directly to those resource sections.
Download a version of the guide FREE, Facing Life After Suicide Loss. May it serve as a life-raft in the storm - a survival tool - created just parents and families, in the days, weeks and months after suicide loss.
Get Free Download Version of Guide HERE
Enjoy real books? You may also order a printed copy (expanded version) and any other books, journals and products - as seen in photo and found on Amazon
Get the Amazon Books HERE
These are exceptional books. That may sound cliche, but it is so true. These books contain the hearts of moms who bravely step into their shattered hearts to tell memories and stories of their own wonderfully exceptional children—all of whom died too soon by suicide. Writing them was not a small accomplishment. A MUST READ for all!! Are you a mom interested in leaving a legacy for your child? See Legacy Project under the Support tab at the top and join the next group waitlist today.
Get Legacy Books HERE
Things I Love; Comfort for Grief
Why do I love them...well, quite simply because they ease the effects of grief, bring needed comfort, or help in some way that makes this more bearable as we learn to live in this new existence without our loved one.
Everything on this page is something I genuinely use (or have used) in my grief journey, and it could be a tool worth considering in yours. I either use (now or in the recent past) the exact item or one just like it.
Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a very small fee from qualifying purchases of many or all items listed below. If the product is not linked on Amazon I still may (or may not) be receiving an affiliate fee directly from the company.
CLICK to find the "Things I Love" HERE
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations - The PODCAST
Listen to conversations of loss and grief after suicide. This podcast is about surviving life after suicide loss, which is nothing short of a wasteland of the leftover pieces of your shattered heart. As the host, Melissa, a mother who lost her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide in 2016, has difficult conversations with other loss survivors, healers, and mental health experts. She also produces shorter, solo episodes where she shares her own thoughts & experiences in this journey- so far. Exploring relevant topics, Melissa asks the hard questions we all need to discuss and hear answers to. Nothing is 'off limit' as she delves into all areas of this grief, such as trauma, hope, healing, self-care, & stigma, believing we learn to live alongside our grief, not get over it.
Melissa hopes to help others, like herself, go from surviving to finding a life with meaning, maybe even happiness, amid their own leftover pieces.
No life should ever be forgotten.
Preserve the legacy of your loved ones with a Turning Hearts Medallion. Share their memories, photos, videos and stories with the world. Simply attach their personalized medallion to their headstone and scan to remember those you love the most. Explore thousands of other memories from people all over the world using our Discover feature. Now, no life will ever be forgotten.
All There Is with Anderson Cooper Podcast
Anderson Cooper takes us on a deeply personal exploration of loss and grief. He starts recording while packing up the apartment of his late mother Gloria Vanderbilt. Going through her journals and keepsakes, as well as things left behind by his father and brother, Cooper begins a series of emotional and moving conversations about the people we lose, the things they leave behind, and how to live on - with loss, with laughter, and with love.
The Mighty - Get (Mental) Health Answers from People Who Live it Every Day
We make health about people by bringing together the stories and lived experiences of those who have been there. Penned by our community and curated by our editors, the collections feature some of our best, most helpful articles on health topics that matter to you.
(Resource for ALL survivors )
Scattering CJ the Film
When seemingly happy, travel-infatuated CJ Twomey violently ended his own life at age 20, his family was plunged into unrelenting grief and guilt. In a moment of desperate inspiration, his mother Hallie put out an open call on Facebook, looking only for a handful of travelers who might help fulfill her son's wish to see the world by scattering some of his ashes in a place of beauty or special meaning.
Scattering CJ had its World Premiere at the Camden International Film Festival in September 2019 and will continue to screen and raise awareness for suicide prevention in communities around the world
(Resource for ALL survivors and awareness advocates)
Insight Timer YOGA App
#1 FREE app for sleep, anxiety and stress.
This is a GREAT place for meditations, sleep help, sound healings, music, etc.
(Resource for ALL survivors )
Does the Dog Die? App
Your best friend before picking a show, movie or book!
In addition to the app, the website doesthedogdie.com also provides crowdsourced trigger warnings for movies, TV shows, books, and more. It tracks over 180 triggers, including dogs dying, demons or Hell, abusive parents, suicide, murder and more. You can also contribute by adding a movie, TV show, or book to the data base.
Not Allowed to Die Podcast with Dan Maigler
As a therapist I have only one rule: you are not allowed to die. On this podcast I will answer questions about therapy, mental health, coaching, or anything else folks want to pick my brain about. I bring 20 years and over 1000 clients worth of experience and hopefully some humor.
Get Griefy Magazine
At Get Griefy Magazine, our mission is to illuminate the path to healing and hope for those navigating the profound journey of loss. We are dedicated to creating a compassionate and empowering space where individuals living with grief can find solace, inspiration, and a sense of community...a lifeline for those on the path of healing. Join us as we navigate grief together, fostering a community that celebrates life, resilience, and the enduring spirit that emerges from the depths of loss.
Two Inches Off the Ground Podcast
Join the amazing host J. India for an awesome adventure where the metaphysical meets the practical.
Being enlightened is just like the everyday experience but two inches off the ground, says Zen master D.T. Suzuki. In this podcast, join the collective consciousness to raise your vibration and begin to live your life two inches off the ground.
(Metaphysical Resource for ALL)
Good Mourning Grief Podcast
"Through our podcast and Instagram community, our purpose is to provide comfort for others who’ve experienced loss, or be a helpful resource for those supporting someone who is going through a difficult time. Whether you have experienced a big loss, or are somebody's support person, or just want to prepare yourself for when grief strikes, our content will educate and inspire you. This is candid talk for modern grief."
- Co-hosts Imogen & Sally
(Resource for all survivors - both hosts lost their moms and one of the co-hosts lost her mom to suicide in 2020)
IT’S OK THAT YOU’RE NOT OK: THE PODCAST
What would be different if we could all just tell the truth about our lives?
Welcome to SEASON THREE of It’s OK that You’re Not OK: the podcast (formerly known as Here After with Megan Devine).
I started this show to talk about grief, and it’s grown to be so much more than that – it’s become a place for real conversations about life, and love, and loss, and even… hope.
Grief Seeds Podcast
Intuitive Grief Guide and author Shelby Forsythia offers insights, reframings, metaphors, and visualizations to plants seeds for your healing in life after loss. Because even through grief, we are growing.
(Resource for all survivors - host lost her mother to cancer)
Just Like You: Anxiety and Depression (2022)
10 brave kids, 2 Emmy award winning journalists, 1 clinical psychologist at Columbia University and 1 determined mother take on the fear and stigma plaguing the mental health community.
Suggested Reading for Suicide Loss Grievers
(All are linked to Amazon but many may be available on Audible as well)
BOOKS:
Let's Really Talk About Suicide; A Guide & Resource for ALL after Suicide Loss by Melissa Bottorff-Arey
A Survival Guide: A Guide to Help through the Early Days by Melissa Bottorff-Arey
The Story of Your Survival; A Guided Journal to Navigate these Dark, Stormy Days by Melissa Bottorff-Arey
Because They Lived... Memories & Stories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide: As Told by the Moms They Left Behind VOL 1 Complied by Melissa Bottorff-Arey (multiple authors) Also find -- Volume 2 ; Volume 3; Volume 4 and Volume 5 here also
Get Griefy Magazine Grief Sucks, but life doesn't have to
A Walk in the Wood; Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh by Joseph Parent
My Unexpected Journey; Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide by Erin Blechman (Max's Mom)
It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand by Megan Divine
The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson
The Light Between Us: Stories from Heaven. Lessons for the Living by Laura Lynne Jackson
Unfinished Business: What the Dead Can Teach Us About Life by James Van Praggh
The Universe is Talking to You; Tap into Signs by Tammy Mastroberte
What Suicide Left Behind by Linzi Meaden
Goodnight, Mr. Vincent Van Gogh by Lindsey Doolittle (a must if you for children)
Your Grief, Your Way: A Year of Practical Guidance and Comfort After Loss by Shelby Forsythia
Permission to Grieve: Creating Grace, Space, & Room to Breathe in the Aftermath of Loss by Shelby Forsythia
Diary of a Broken Mind AND Emotionally Naked - Both Books by AnneMoss Rogers
Mission Vigilant: A Mother's Crusade to Stem the Tide of Veteran Suicide by Susan Cleland and Sherye S. Green
Shattered: From Grief to Joy After My Son's Suicide by Rebecca Tervo
Surviving Loss by Suicide (Grief Diaries) by Sharon Ehlers
Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Joanne Cacciatore
Restorative Yoga for Beginners by Julia Storke
Mount Hope a fiction novel of Hate & Healing by Kellie Woolf (former podcast guest & grieving mom)
CARD DECKS:
Into the Lonely Woods (Oracle Deck ) by Lucy Cavendish & Dan May
The Dark Goddess Oracle Deck; Unleash Your Divine Feminine Magic by Caitlin McCarthy
Talking to Heaven Mediumship Cards by James Van Praagh
Sacred Feminine Oracle: Divine Healing by M. Malmasson & Marion Blanc
The Mediumship Training Deck by Joh Holland
The Spirit Messages Daily Oracle by John Holland
Rebuilding You; Whole Mind/Body Health - The WEBSITE
Melissa is a mom who has lost her son to suicide. She is now also a Certified Master Grief Guide, Author, Trauma-Informed Energy Healer, Usuai Reiki I & II Certified & Speaker. She companions and guides grieving parents in their healing after child loss by suicide, not to just review the pain, or to give them a one-size-fits-all "fix."
"Picking up the Pieces" Online Support Group & Membership Community
"Moms on a Mission" Legacy Compilation Group Writing Project
Resources for ALL
Hugs From Donavon
Donavon lost his battle with depression in 2021 at the age of 16.
He is the inspiration for our Mental Health Awareness Clothing fundraiser. (Note from Melissa: These are the BEST& softest hoodies I have ever owned & they are a great conversation starter.... feel like a Hug for sure!)
One Hour, Once a Month - For Parents, Led by a Parent who Understands
Short-term, online grief groups for bereaved parents that incorporates grief education and support. Meets Tuesday evenings 7:00-8:00 pm ET. Register on the website Erin Blechman, under "Grief Groups."
Helping Parents Heal
Helping Parents Heal is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting parents whose children have passed. Through support and resources, we aspire to help individuals become "Shining Light Parents," meaning a shift from a state of emotional heaviness to hopefulness and greater peace of mind. HPH goes a step beyond other groups by allowing the open discussion of spiritual experiences and afterlife evidence in a non-dogmatic way. HPH welcomes everyone regardless of religious or non-religious background and encourages open dialog.
A COMMUNITY FOR HEALING AFTER
ADDICTION, SUICIDE, OR SUDDEN LOSS
Peer Support for Healing Broken Hearts - including some online support groups for DADS & general loss (from addiction or suicide)
Integrative Grief Care, Support Groups and Additional Services
The Love of an Animal
Paws for Patrick connects emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy dogs with people living with mental illness.
Created to honor the memory of Patrick Roemer, a Lake Forest teen who lived with anxiety and depression for most of his life.
A Compassionate Community of Support
Healing to The Max is a therapeutic intensive program specially designed to support including for MEN:
Parents, Guardians and Grandparents & Youth and Teen Survivors of a traumatic loss by suicide through the lens of Narrative Therapy
Our Mission is to Save Military Lives!
HicksStrong Inc. aims to do this by linking veteran & active-duty service members with confidential mental health therapists via telehealth and we cover up to 24 sessions.
(Resource for military survivors and awareness advocates - especially military, veterans or family)
Creating a World Free of Pain. Naturally
Our mission is to create a unified, trustworthy, and inclusive platform that fosters connections, education, and opportunities in the psychedelic industry.
(Resource for all suicide loss survivors, those struggling with mental illness, military and veterans)
Honor Connor | Hold Onto Hope
is a non-profit that exists to provide hope & healing to those who’s loved ones have died by suicide.
Their Mission is to provide hope and healing….and to stop the stigma and start the conversation around mental health, addiction and suicide prevention.
Dr. Lenore Matthew, PhD, MSW
Dr. of Social Work | Evidential Psychic Medium | Evolving Young Widow
Evidence-based Mind-Body-Spirit
Trauma & Grief Specialist * Evidential Psychic Medium * Young Widow & Survivor of Suicide Loss
Melding science and spirit to help you heal through trauma and grief, and find your soul path forward.
A Community for Suicide Loss Survivors
As a Certified Neurocoach™ who has successfully completed the ILCT Grief Coaching course, Caro can give clients permanent transformations.
Look for help in the community that she has built with other people who are trying to make life worth living again.
LOSSteam Prevention Workshops & Training
Dr. Edwin Shneidman’s concept of “postvention as prevention” has governed Dr. Frank Campbell’s work with suicide survivors since 1986. Dr. Campbell envisioned a “LOSS Team,” (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) a team of trained survivors who would go to the scenes of suicides to disseminate information about resources and be the installation of hope for the newly bereaved. Read more about LOSS Team here.
Beginners and Grievers Yoga. Nourishing, Body, Mind & Soul.
Yoga is not about touching your toes, it is about what you learn on the way down.... it can be yours too.
Erin is a passionate Yoga teacher who has been practicing and teaching since 2009. Her classes are trauma-informed and are gentle and mindful. She also holds grief retreats in Mexico.
Alliance of Hope for suicide loss survivors
The Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors was created by survivors for survivors. As a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit, we provide online healing support and other services for people who are coping with devastating loss to suicide. Our online forum operates like a 24/7 support group. Our website contains support resources and information on the survivor experience.
N.A.M.I.
Suicide Survivors; The ties that bind us
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
(Resource for ALL survivors and awareness advocates)
Active Minds
Changing the Conversation about Mental Health
Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults
They are dedicated to saving lives and to building stronger families and communities. Through education, research, advocacy, and a focus on young adults ages 14–25, Active Minds is opening up the conversation about mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued in the United States.
The Trevor Project
We’re here for you.
We provide information & support to LGBTQ young people 24/7, all year round.
Reach out to one of our trained counselors.
Call, text, or chat with us anytime you need support. If you are thinking about suicide, or feeling lonely, we’re here to listen.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
works to prevent, treat, and cure anxiety disorders and depression.
ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through the alignment of science, treatment, and education.
Together, we’re changing and saving lives
The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow.
Sources of Strength
At Sources of Strength, our vision is To Empower a Well World. We provide exceptional training and curriculum for youth and adults, utilizing a strength-based and upstream approach to mental health promotion and prevention of adverse outcomes like suicide, violence, bullying, and substance misuse. Sources of Strength has a firm commitment to providing evidence-based programming that is responsive to local community context and needs.
Lose a loved one to suicide by firearm?
The Everytown Survivor Network is a nationwide community of survivors.
Survivors working together to end gun violence. The Survivor Network connects survivors to each other, amplifies the power of survivor voices, offers trauma-informed programs, provides information on direct services, and supports survivors who choose to become advocates.
(Resource for ALL survivors and awareness advocates - especially those who have been impacted by firearm loss)
Real Thoughts from My Heart to Yours
Get my "Weekly Griefy Musings from The Rabbit Hole" email, delivered right to your inbox every week. It is just a way to connect and give you a thought every week that might help you along your grief journey....but stuff not to overwhelm you! - this isn't that kind of email list!
These resources are provided as a courtesy but in no way constitute an endorsement for any of them. Also, Melissa is not a mental health professional (or doctor), and nothing on my website should be taken as medical (or mental health) advice or recommendation, as it all comes from my own experiences, gathered knowledge and various certificate-based training only.
