Mourning a Lost Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Find Comfort and Heal
Losing a mother is an overwhelming experience that can leave one feeling lost and alone. However, understanding the normal emotions and seeking support can help one navigate through this difficult journey.
According to several studies, the death of a mother can have more negative effects on daughters than on sons. A 2015 study found that women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent. Daughters who lose their mother may experience grief differently than sons, and cultural and tradition losses can leave them feeling lost and disconnected.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) lists regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness as normal emotions in the year following parental loss. It is essential to remember that these feelings are a part of the grieving process and are not a sign of weakness.
Keeping up with traditions from your mother or starting your own traditions can help ease the burden of loss. Honoring a mother's memory can take different forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a goal she always wanted. Finding another source of support can help retain feelings of guidance and understanding after losing a mother. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance during this time.
If experiencing overwhelming grief and considering self-harm or suicide, help is available right now. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide are just a few resources available.
Grief can also have physical effects, such as increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment and not follow thoughts down an emotional path, can help manage painful memories related to the loss of a mother.
If extreme grief persists for more than a year or interferes with daily tasks, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional who specializes in grief recovery.
Books like "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother", "Motherless Daughters", and "How to Survive the Loss of a Parent" can offer guidance during the grieving process. However, it is essential to remember that everyone's grief journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing.
In conclusion, the loss of a mother can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, understanding the normal emotions, seeking support, and finding ways to honour a mother's memory can help one navigate through this difficult time.
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