Navigating Mourning the Departure of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Find Comfort
Grief is an inevitable part of life, and losing a mother can be particularly challenging. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for those navigating this difficult journey, offering practical tips and resources for coping with grief and finding support.
Losing a mother often means losing a crucial part of your support system. The grief that persists for longer than a year may require the support of a mental health professional. If you find yourself struggling with daily functioning, do not hesitate to seek help.
Grief is linked to increased chances of various health issues, such as cancer, cardiac problems, immune disorders, and high blood pressure, according to a study. It's essential to take care of your physical health during this time.
Keeping up with traditions from your mother or starting your own can help ease the burden of loss. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process.
Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can assist in navigating the grieving process. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a grief recovery specialist. The most common professionals who support women who have lost their mothers are psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers specialized in psychosocial care, trauma therapy, and grief counseling.
Maternal support can come from various figures in one's life, not just a blood relative. Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can provide personal fulfillment and become an important part of someone's grief journey.
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). The effects of grief after the loss of a mother are different for everyone.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) notes an array of normal emotions in the year following parental loss, including regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. The death of a mother can have more negative effects on daughters than on sons, according to a study. A 2015 study found that women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent.
You may feel regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge after losing your mother. Honoring a mother's memory can take many forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or pursuing a personal goal she always wanted.
Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment without dwelling on emotional thoughts, 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.
If you are 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 remember that you are not alone, and help is always available.
In conclusion, coping with grief after the loss of a mother is a unique and challenging journey. However, with the right support, resources, and self-care, it is possible to navigate this difficult time and find a path towards healing.
