Mourning the Demise of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Cope Effectively
In the face of losing a mother, many individuals experience a significant psychological burden, particularly those with caregiving roles, such as siblings who provide support. This grief can be intense and long-lasting, often exacerbated by limited external support and a reliance on family networks 1.
Research suggests that women may experience a more intense grief response and find it harder to adjust to the loss of a parent 2. Both daughters and sons can be deeply affected by this loss [3].
Grief is a complex and personal journey, and it's essential to understand that everyone's experience is unique. Common emotions in the year following parental loss include regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness [4].
During this challenging time, practising 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 [5].
It's important to note that prolonged or extreme grief can lead to health issues such as cancer, cardiac problems, immune disorders, and high blood pressure [6]. If grief interferes with daily tasks for more than a year, seeking help from a mental health professional may be beneficial [7].
Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can be a meaningful way to cope with one's own grief [8]. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance during this difficult time [9].
Resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide are available for immediate help if grief becomes unbearable [10].
Remembering a mother's memory can take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a personal goal she always wanted [11]. Focusing on happy reminders, like pictures, books, or keepsakes, can provide comfort during the grieving process [12].
The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional who specializes in grief recovery [13]. Additionally, other maternal figures in one's life can provide guidance and support after the loss of a mother [14].
Daughters may experience grief differently than sons, and the effects of grief can include feelings of losing an important part of your support system, regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge, and strained relationships within your family [15]. Keeping up with traditions and starting new ones can help ease the burden of loss [16].
A 2021 study found that parental loss is linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults [17]. It's crucial to seek help if grief impairs daily functioning or persists for longer than a year [7].
Books like "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother: A Grief & Comfort Manual", "Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss", and "How to Survive the Loss of a Parent: A Guide for Adults" may offer help during the grieving process [18].
Women who experience the loss of a mother are more likely than men to binge drink, have a greater decline in self-esteem, and have a lower level of personal mastery [19].
In conclusion, navigating grief after the loss of a mother is a challenging journey. However, with understanding, support, and the right resources, it is possible to find a path towards healing and recovery.
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