Welcome to May 2; "We're All Mad Here" DAILY Mental Health Nugget

“Hello --It is May 3rd and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You’ve just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let’s get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 1: I discuss Identity & TransformationDay 3: Today’s truth from Alice is: “I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.”I want to say something bold: You will never be the same. That can sound terrifying. But maybe, just maybe, it can also be freeing.Because you don’t have to fit back into a life that doesn’t fit anymore. You can let go of expectations. You can be a new version of you — one that’s shaped by grief but also by love, resilience, and fierce mothering, or fathering, or sistering, or friending....whatever fits griever.Ask yourself today: Who am I becoming? And what part of the old me am I ready to release? How about that as a journal prompt --- or a thought prompt for meditation or a moment of reflection? So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show

“Hello --It is May 2nd and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You’ve just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let’s get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”Welcome to Day 2. Our Quote today is is from Ch 5 of The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland: "I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then."If that doesn't scream grief, I don't know what does. One hour, we're numb. The next, we're crying in the car. The next — somehow — laughing at a meme. And then we feel guilty for laughing. Grief is emotional whiplash. It doesn't follow a script, and it sure as hell doesn't care about timelines. So here's your permission: let it change. Let you change. We just decide -- we choose -- to change. Yes, it will take time to set into habit, but we have all month together and there's no time like the present as they say!If it helps, try tracking your mood today — not to fix it, but to witness it. Try adding you 'mood of the day' to your journal all month -- or write it in your daily planner. You can look back at months end. You might be surprised by what shifts — and by what stays. No judgment. Just compassion.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you for helping, everything counts]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show

Hello Fellow Griever— Welcome to this special Down the Rabbit Hole series I'm calling “Welcome to May – We’re All Mad Here.”  [P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]If you're new here, I’m Melissa, a suicide loss survivor and a bereaved mom myself. I’m also a grief coach, and the host of this podcast The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast. And this month — this Mental Health Awareness Month — I’m doing something a little different.Every. Single. Day... in May, I’ll be dropping a short, 3-to-5-minute episode in this series — just a few moments together. Just you and me — and the truth. Down the Rabbit Hole. Because let’s face it: grief isn’t polite. It’s not tidy. It doesn’t play by the rules, and it doesn’t give a damn what month it is. But we do. Because mental health matters every day, especially for us — grieving moms trying to make sense of a world that no longer makes sense.You won’t get fluffy inspiration here. No sugar-coating. No cliches. Just honest reflection, a dose of real-talk, and a little bit of literary magic — courtesy of Alice in Wonderland.I’ve always loved Alice. My regular listeners know I have a recurring segment called Down the Rabbit Hole — because that’s exactly what grief feels like, right? Disorienting. Upside-down. A little… mad.So, I thought, what better way to explore the messiness of mental health after loss than through the curious, confounding, and oddly wise world of Wonderland?Each day, I’ll share a quote from Alice in Wonderland or Through the Looking Glass — and use it as a springboard. Some days we’ll talk about identity. Some days we’ll talk about rage. About stigma. About drowning in your own tears. About not recognizing the person in the mirror anymore. It’s all fair game.This is a space for truth. For reflection. For the hard stuff. And for the reminder that you are not alone — not in your madness, and not in your mourning.So, if you're grieving — whether you're brand new to this or have been carrying your loss for years — I hope you’ll walk (or crawl) through this month with me. Listen in when you can. Save the episodes you need. Share them with another grieving heart.We’re all mad here, after all — but we don’t have to be alone.TODAY we discuss:WEEK 1: We will discuss Identity & TransformationDay 1: Quote: "Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle." The Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 2Reflect on how grief dismantles our identity.Offer simple grounding techniques. - 5-4-3-2-1 Technique, The focus on one thing technique AND the energy-fueled adrenaline-fueled activity.Taking care of YOU -- Plan even 10 minutes -- a bubble bath, a walk, reading your favorite book. So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada ORSupport the show

Today I share a recent chat with Larry Carlat. He is a writer, author, a retired editor, a grief coach -- and the bereaved father of Rob, his son who died by suicide. This is life after suicide in a packed-full-of lived-experience-wisdom and hope-filled conversation. One of the chapters in his book "A Space in the Heart" is called The Soul Knows When It's Time to Go...and you can listen to us discuss this, and synchronicities, and our kids being connected to other parents (deceased) kids, and hopelessness and hopefulness and So. Much. More!!! Oh .... and we both lean into CHOICES as a big part of this journey, especially after year one.His book is an incredible read and an even better 'helper' as a way to make it through, day by day, 'poco a poco' as I now say...In the book he breaks it down like this: Part One - is The End of Your Life (as you know it)Part Two -- is The Middle (moving through grief)Part Three - is The beginning (of creating this new life)He reads several parts of this incredible book including one called "We are Extraordinary Parents" (versus extra ordinary) and do stay until the end and hear "Parts of You" and "A Little Reminder" at the end.... which isn't the actual end...you will want to read it over and over but go get it!A Space in the Heart Book; A Survival Guide for Grieving Parents his bookGrief for Guys 1:1 Coaching for MenOur House Grief Center LA__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025 OR FUTURE PROJECTSFor a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the showSupport the show

Today, in talking about life after suicide loss, I am releasing a recent chat with Julie Halpert - Garrett's mom, journalist, and co-founder of Garrett's Space. Tragically, Garrett died by suicide at 23 years old in 2017...He was incredibly bright, loved & talented. And Garrett struggled with his mental health on and off for years. These things came together as the inspiration for the work of Garrett's Space - a suicide prevention nonprofit.They were about to 'break ground' at our recording on the physical facility near Ann Arbor, Michigan. This upcoming facility, along with the programs that Garrett's Space has been holding, is a beacon of hope for those struggling with their mental health. Garrett's Space has been holding programs (online with monthly social gatherings) for young people to support their mental health. The upcoming 10,000-square-foot residential center, along with the 2000-square-foot creativity studio, is a testament to the incredible support of the community. The whole point, as Julie emphasizes, is to create a very homelike atmosphere. They are even working with a leading-class architect specializing in trauma-informed design, and they will. They also plan to offer this on a sliding scale; there'll be a service fee, but it should be available for anyone regardless of their ability to pay. The whole community has really rallied around this, and it is an incredible asset for the whole area there in Michigan.This is an incredible episode, and it was my honor to have this conversation with Julie. Learn a bit more, and find the links below."Julie Halpert is an award-winning journalist, writing articles for dozens of widely read media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, covering many topics. She also teaches an environmental journalism course at the University of Michigan. She is the co-founder with her husband, Scott, of Garrett's Space, a suicide prevention nonprofit."Be sure to go to their website below, and don't miss the incredible video of Garrett while you are there!Garrett's Space WebsiteInstagramThe Dinner Party (her daughter's community connection & mental health forward endeavor) And, yes, we spoke about the SIBLING SUPPORT group in my community (click the link to find all support groups I have, including for moms and siblings -- spousal group in the planning)__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025 OR FUTURE PROJECTSFor a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the showSupport the show

Today I share my conversation with Blake & Lisa. They are Zach Carter's mom and oldest brother. Zach died by suicide in 2022. The 3 of us talk about many things including, but not limited to, Zach's devotion to family, to his job and even to Crocs...yes, the cushy, bright colored charm-adorned shoes! We talk about his joys and his struggles and even his love for pizza! There is something in this one for everyone. From Zach's brother:“On June 22nd, 2022, my life was turned upside down. We lost my brother and best friend, Zachary, to suicide at the ripe young age of 21. After losing him we were all impacted by the lack of resources available to those facing anxiety, depression, and grief. It was this unfortunate loss, and the need to continue Zach’s love of mental health advocacy that led us to launch ZTC.”“Today’s mental health care system, in my eyes, is a joke. After the loss of Zach we were filled with depression, anxiety and grief and needed to seek professional help. Family members contacted multiple facilities just to be told the wait was 6-18 months or just didn’t receive a call back. If we struggled to find help while we were still functioning with mild depression and anxiety, how are those that are severely suffering getting treated when they are reaching out for treatment that could be life or death?”From Zach's Mom:“This foundation is very important to me.  It’s a way we can honor my youngest son Zachary, who lost his battle with Mental Illness when he was only 21.  We would love to help others going through struggles and trying to find help.  After my son passed away, I found it very hard to get the help I needed.   I was told I would be put on a waiting list and it could be 12-18 months.  This is just unacceptable!!  I was lucky to find a church that offered a grief counseling program.  It was so helpful to me.  We want to help others, whether its help funding therapy or guiding them with the resources to get help.I have also started zachsbutterflies.org.  Be sure to check it out sometime.  My husband and I, along with some family members, are crocheting butterflies and leaving them around for others to find.  We leave a little note of encouragement with it.   Maybe one day you will find one while you’re out and about.HERE are all of the LINKs as promised:The ZTC Foundation WebsiteZach's Butterflies   &  Zach's Buddy BenchesFacebook & InstagramThe (infamous) You Matter HoodiesAnkits Hope AppQPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show

Today I tackle another precarious topic in life after suicide loss  --remember, as always, take what serves you, and leave the rest.  In today's Down the Rabbit Hole, I discuss this topic of what I call the "Wintering" and Grief Seasons. It's not a long one, but something to think about!  Come with me today and let's explore grieving through all of the seasons, but today, we take on "Winter" - or looking ahead to "un-wintering", with all of its intricacies and nuances ...and the promise of Spring ahead! Here is the Sesame Workshop Video I discussed and promised. I hope there is something of use here. AND AGAIN ... Bravo for the grief affirming message. We need SO. MUCH. MORE. of this in the world!!The Poem (by author/poet Ullie-Kaye)Winter.winter reminds me that ihave a greater appreciationfor the warmth when I ammade to endure the cold.my heart has a winter too.Have you seen the latest MOMs RETREAT scheduled for May 28- June2, 2025 (held here in sunny Puerto Rico) that is out? LOOK HERE And what about Legacy? Let's remember your child together!! I start the ONE & ONLY Legacy Project this year (2025) on March 5 --- there's still time to talk to me & see if this is your year!! LET"S CHAT - SCHEDULE A CHAT HERE  It would be my honor to do this work with you -- I wish I had opportunities like this earlier in my grief, but I didn't...so now you do! My hearts mission is to provide meaningful, real-help-resources and healing opportunities for suicide loss survivors and one-on-one with other moms like me. Be sure to check out my website for tons of free resources and recommendations as well as other healing opportunities. AND watch emails in Jan and February for some new options. I don't add a LOT, but what I do add is always designed for maximum impact.Sending love, peace and enough hope for us both! (See, that's just one way community helps -- we need others to be our strength and motivators and accountability partners when we can't get there alone!) "This is so lonely, but you do not have to be alone." - XO Melissa__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show

Today I release an impactful conversation that I had recently with Peyton James' dad - David. Peyton was an incredible young man who died by suicide in 2014 and while his dad will feel his absence for the rest of his life, he takes some comfort in spreading the ripple effects of Peyton's life with hope through the legacy foundation started in his sons' name - The Peyton Heart Project.  You should ALL take a look and consider getting involved at the link below-- they make it super easy!!Among other things we discuss stigma, mental health in schools, organ donorship and how dads grief matters - deeply - and yet often feel forgotten or like they have nowhere to turn to find support. We also discuss how suicide loss is different. This dad has definitely leaned into his pain to find purpose. This is one for everyone to listen to! READ MORE HERE on the Peyton Heart WEBSITEAt the Peyton Heart Project, our mission is to raise global awareness about suicide, bullying, and to help end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.We’re doing this through our campaign of distributing small, knitted and crocheted hearts with inspirational messages in locations where we hope they’ll be easily found. To date, we’ve scattered over 100,000 hearts all across the country and the world.You can help us spread our message by making hearts and shipping them to us or scattering them yourself, or we’ll gladly ship you a package of hearts that you can use to spread our message. Our project is donor-funded, so we ask that you keep us in mind in your giving plans. Thank you for your generous support. We couldn’t do it without you."David is the father of The Peyton Heart Project’s namesake, Peyton James. After losing Peyton to suicide in 2014, David set out to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide so that other families wouldn't feel the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.  Knowing that education is the key to prevention, David has lobbied for laws in his home state of Texas that require educators to be trained yearly in suicide awareness. He also speaks at various events using Peyton’s story to help others.  He resides in the Texas Hill Country with his wife Lisa, daughter Emmalee, and two corgis Earl and Zelda."  Again --- Find all of the great things they do HERE__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show

Today I speak with Michelle. Michelle lost her husband to suicide in April of 2016 - and she has so much to share about loss, life & mindfulness in the surviving places! She is an incredible light of a soul, and I am so glad we connected & even happier that I get to share her wisdom with you.... she says it but I agree, we feel like 'soul sisters'. Be sure to see all of the Links to books etc. that we mention below!Here are just some of the things we hit on in this incredible chat!  We are all over the topic of mindfulness because it is both of our 'grief love language' I thinkHer compound losses including the loss of her husband to suicideHear her address Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs & the four A'sThe power of the "Pause" and meeting your own needsShe even addresses faith -- and how that can matterAnd soooo much more....And OH...also hear her call me out on something -- it's all good!! She was not wrong! It was a great 'catch' ;)Michelle Ann Collins is a dedicated professional who helps individuals navigate grief, trauma, and loss through her organization, Inhabit Joy. As a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, grief educator, wellness coach, and yoga therapist, she combines her knowledge of positive psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness to guide clients toward resilience. Her personal journey through significant losses, including her mother’s death and her husband's suicide, transformed her trauma into growth and inspired her bestselling books, "Surviving Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss" and "Supporting a Survivor of Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss." In addition to her private practice, Michelle conducts workshops and wellness programs in corporate settings. She emphasizes mindfulness, yoga therapy, and wellness strategies, particularly for suicide loss survivors, aiming to normalize conversations around grief and suicide. Her mission is to help individuals cope with loss while rediscovering joy and purpose.Find her HERE (you will be glad you did) on her Inhabit Joy WebsiteFind her books Surviving Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss" and "Supporting a Survivor of Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss." HERE HERE's  Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (mentioned in the podcast)And HERE is the book I refer to A Walk in the Wood; Meditations & Mindfulness from a Bear Named Pooh JUST GET IT --- It's INCREDIBLE! __________________________________________________________________________Please Listen to my Start Here - Meet Melissa Episode if you are new to the podcast & have not listened (or if you are not new, it was updated in Feb 2025 & you may learn something new:) Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The SINGLE DATE start for 2025 Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show

As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 31 - PHILOSOPHY AS MEDICINE FOR THE SOULGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“Don’t return to philosophy as a task-master, but as patients seek out relief in a treatment of sore eyes, or a dressing for a burn, or from an ointment. Regarding it this way, you’ll obey reason without putting it on display and rest easy in its care.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 5.9 The busier we get, the more we work and learn and read, the further we may drift. We get in a rhythm. We’re making money, being creative, and we’re stimulated and busy. It seems like everything is going well. But we drift further and further from philosophy. Eventually this neglect will contribute to a problem—the stress builds up, our mind gets cloudy, we forget what’s important—and result in an injury of some kind. When that happens, it’s important that we tap the brakes—put aside all the momentum and the moment. Return to the regimen and practices that we know are rooted in clarity, good judgment, good principles, and good health. Stoicism is designed to be medicine for the soul. It relieves us of the vulnerabilities of modern life. It restores us with the vigor we need to thrive in life. Check in with it today, and let it do its healing." -  all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I SURE HOPE THAT YOU TOOK SOMETHING VALUABLE AWAY FROM THIS MONTH! i KNOW I DID.  - SENDING MY LOVE & PEACE - MELISSA__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The SINGLE DATE start for 2025 Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show