Mourning Maternal Demise: Strategies for Daughters to Overcome Grief
In the United States, two renowned authors, Linda S. Nielsen, author of 'Healing After the Loss of Your Mother: A Grief & Comfort Manual,' and Hope Edelman, author of 'Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss,' offer guidance and solace to those who have experienced the loss of a mother.
Losing a mother can mean losing a crucial part of your support system, and it may lead to feelings of regret over lost family traditions and cultural knowledge. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) acknowledges that it's normal to experience a range of emotions in the year following parental loss, including regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness.
It's essential to remember that there are many motherly figures in one's life, and finding another maternal support can help retain feelings of guidance and understanding. Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment and not follow thoughts down an emotional path, can also help when recalling painful memories related to the loss of a mother.
A 2021 study found that parental loss is linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults, while a 2015 study suggested that women may have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent. If extreme grief persists for more than a year or interferes with daily tasks, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful.
Honouring a mother's memory can take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or pursuing a goal she always wanted. Keeping up with traditions or starting new ones can help ease the burden of loss. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance during the grieving process.
Offering one's own maternal support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of their journey with grief. Daughters who lose their mother may experience grief differently than sons, potentially leaving them feeling lost and disconnected from those closest to them.
Grief can have far-reaching effects on one's health, increasing the chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process.
If you are experiencing overwhelming grief or considering self-harm or suicide, immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide. It's crucial to prioritise your mental and emotional well-being during this difficult time.
The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional specialized in grief recovery. 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).
In conclusion, navigating the grief of losing a mother can be a challenging journey. However, with the right support, resources, and self-care, it's possible to find healing and move forward.
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