Mourning the Demise of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Overcome
In the wake of losing a mother, many individuals find solace in offering support to others who have experienced similar losses. This act can be a meaningful way to cope with grief (1).
However, if extreme grief persists for more than a year or interferes with daily tasks, it may be beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional (2). They can provide guidance and support during this challenging time.
Keeping up with traditions from your mother or starting your own can help ease the burden of loss. These traditions serve as a connection to the past, providing comfort in a time of need (3).
Grief after the loss of a mother often means feeling like you've lost an important part of your support system. This can lead to feelings of regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge, and strained relationships within your family (4).
It's essential to remember that maternal figures can be found in various relationships, not just blood relatives. Their influence extends beyond biology (5).
Research has linked parental loss with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults (6). 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 (7).
A range of resources is available to help cope with the loss of a mother. Books such as "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother: A Grief & Comfort Manual" by Elaine Mallon, published in 2020, "Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss," and "How to Survive the Loss of a Parent: A Guide for Adults" may provide assistance in coping with this grief (8).
Grief that impairs daily functioning or persists for longer than a year may require the support of a mental health professional (2). Local support groups, online chat forums, and the American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a specialist in grief recovery (9).
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 (personal growth) (10). Daughters who lose their mother may experience unique challenges in grief, including cultural and tradition losses, and a lack of maternal guidance (4).
Honouring a mother's memory can take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a personal goal she always wanted (11). If the grief of a mother's loss becomes unbearable, immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide (12).
A 2015 study found that women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent (13). It's crucial to remember that everyone grieves differently, and it's essential to be patient with oneself during this process.
Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process (3). Grief is linked to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure (14). Taking care of one's physical health is just as important during this time.
In conclusion, navigating grief after the loss of a mother can be a challenging journey, but there are resources available to help. Whether it's through support groups, books, or mental health professionals, remember that you are not alone in this process.
