Mourning the Departure of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Manage Grief
Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, particularly when it comes to the loss of a mother. A study has linked the loss of a parent to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure.
The grief process can be challenging, but there are ways to cope. Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can be a cathartic experience, helping individuals manage their own grief.
Research has shown that when losing a parent, women may have a more intense grief response and find it harder to adjust to the loss. Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment, 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 beneficial. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance during this difficult time.
The death of a mother can mean the loss of an important part of your support system, leading to feelings of regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge. Keeping up with traditions from your mother or starting your own traditions may help ease the burden of loss.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) notes an array of normal emotions in the year following parental loss, such as regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. The effects of grief after the loss of a mother are different for everyone, and grief that impairs daily functioning or persists for longer than a year may require the support of a mental health professional.
Parental loss has been linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults. Interestingly, studies suggest that the death of a mother can have more negative effects on daughters than on sons. 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).
Remember, you are not alone, and support is always available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide provide immediate help for those experiencing overwhelming grief or considering self-harm or suicide.
Honoring a mother's memory can be done through various means, such as donating to her favourite charity or setting personal goals. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process. Maternal support can come from various figures in one's life, not just a blood relative.
Books like "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 may help with the grieving process.
In conclusion, the loss of a mother is a significant event that can have far-reaching effects. It's essential to seek support, remember happy times, and be kind to oneself during this challenging time.
