In this episode of Mental Health Mondays, host Melanie McCummiskey delves into the profound and complex topic of grief. As she opens the discussion, Melanie defines grief as the process of accepting and navigating through the array of emotions that accompany loss, whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job, or an opportunity.

Throughout the episode, Melanie explores the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—providing insights into what each stage entails. She emphasizes the normalcy of feeling anger during the grieving process and discusses the phase of bargaining, where individuals may find themselves making deals with a higher power in an attempt to bring back what has been lost.

Melanie skillfully guides us through the stages of depression, highlighting the deep sadness that often accompanies the realization of loss. Finally, she touches on the ultimate stage of grief: acceptance. Here, individuals reach a point of equilibrium, having traversed the emotional rollercoaster and fully embraced the reality of the changed circumstances.

In the latter part of the episode, Melanie offers practical advice on managing grief, tailoring her recommendations based on age. For children aged 12 and under, she recommends two insightful books— "When Someone Dies" by Andrea Dawn and "The Memory Book," a grief journal for parents and kids. For adults navigating grief, Melanie suggests two highly recommended books: "Finding Peace When Your Heart Is in Pieces" by Paul Coleman and "The Long Grief Journey" by Pam Blair.