Mourning the Demise of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Overcome Grief
In the aftermath of losing a mother, many women face a more intense grief response and struggle more to adjust compared to men, according to a 2015 study. This article aims to provide a supportive guide for those navigating this challenging journey.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) recognises a variety of normal emotions in the year following parental loss. These include regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. It's essential to remember that these feelings are part of the healing process and are not signs of weakness.
Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can offer invaluable assistance throughout this process. Women who have lost their mothers may experience binge drinking, a greater decline in self-esteem, and a lower level of personal mastery (personal growth). In such cases, seeking help from these resources can provide the support needed to navigate these challenges.
Loss of a mother can also result in feelings of losing an important part of your support system, regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge, and strained relationships within the family. Honouring a mother's memory can take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a goal she always wanted, which can provide a sense of closure and comfort.
Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment and not follow thoughts down an emotional path, can help when recalling painful memories related to the loss of a mother. 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 provide additional assistance during this time.
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 specialist in grief recovery. If you're experiencing overwhelming grief or considering self-harm or suicide, resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, Befrienders Worldwide, and local helplines are available right now to offer support.
It's important to note that resilience and social support can improve coping, and help is available for those who need it. Maternal figures can be found beyond blood relations, and seeking their support can help retain feelings of guidance and understanding. Offering maternal support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of their grief journey.
Lastly, keeping up with traditions from your mother or starting your own traditions can help ease the burden of loss. By focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes, you can find comfort during this difficult time.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
