The psychological transitions of life: A reading of grief processing. An analysis of the book by M. Recalcati “The light of dead stars”.

Abstract

Background: The text “The light of dead stars” is a piece of writing that gives hope, in phases of life when nostalgia, sadness and even grief can turn into gratitude.

Methods: Massimo Recalcati in his book focuses on the relationship between human life and the traumatic experience of loss, explaining that the trauma of loss is often repeated in human existence, not only with the death of an important person, but also with all other “death” losses that leave a void within the human being.

Results: The book opens a reflection not on the phenomenon of death itself, but on the condition that affects those who remain, forced to confront the passing of their lives and the suffering of the condition of mourning. This essay analyses different meanings linked to the theme of death and the experience of those who undergo it. The author distinguishes the outcome of mourning into two possible fates: chronic melancholy and nostalgia, where he distinguishes “regret” and gratitude.

Conclusions: This book is useful for mental health professionals who find themselves working with patients who have to grieve. It offers theoretical insights and clinical reflections useful in overcoming treatment obstacles and facilitating the outcome therapeutic.