Mourning the Demise of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Cope Effectively
Losing a mother is an experience that can leave an indelible mark on one's life. This article aims to provide insights and resources for those navigating this challenging journey.
Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can be an essential part of their grief journey. It's important to remember that everyone grieves differently, and offering a listening ear or a comforting word can make a significant difference.
Honouring a mother's memory can take many forms, from donating to her favourite charity or achieving goals she always wanted. Remembering her in this way can provide a sense of closure and keep her memory alive.
A 2021 study found that parental loss is linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults, while a 2015 study revealed that women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss. These findings underscore the importance of seeking support during this difficult time.
There are numerous resources available to help in dealing with the loss of a mother. Books such as "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother: A Grief & Comfort Manual" by Elaine Mallon, "Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss" by Hope Edelman, and "How to Survive the Loss of a Parent: A Guide for Adults" by Lois F. Akner with Catherine Whitney offer practical advice and emotional support.
It's also worth noting that being a mother doesn't always mean a blood connection. Finding other maternal figures in your life can offer guidance and understanding.
Grief can have profound effects on physical health as well, increasing the chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. It's essential to prioritise self-care during this time.
If grief becomes overwhelming and one is considering self-harm or suicide, immediate help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
If extreme grief persists for more than a year or interferes with daily tasks, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful. Local support groups, online chat forums, and the American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a grief recovery specialist.
Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment and not follow thoughts down an emotional path, can help in dealing with painful memories related to the loss of a mother. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process.
The most common psychological effects on women who have lost their mother, according to a 2015 study, include enduring trauma that often remains unconscious and inaccessible to their awareness, manifesting as invisible wounds in their emotional and mental state. These effects are characterized by difficulties in processing the loss fully, leading to long-term psychological distress similar to trauma.
Women who experience the loss of a mother are more likely than men to have a greater decline in self-esteem, a lower level of personal mastery, and are more likely to binge drink. These findings underscore the unique challenges women face in coping with the loss of a mother.
In conclusion, the loss of a mother can be a deeply painful and life-altering experience. However, with the right support, resources, and self-care, it is possible to navigate this difficult journey and find a way to heal.
