Navigating Mourning the Demise of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Recover
Losing a mother is a profound and life-altering experience, and research suggests that women may be particularly affected by this loss. A study published in 2015 found that women experience a more intense grief response and have more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent compared to men.
One of the most notable effects is an increased likelihood of binge drinking among women who have lost their mothers. This trend is not observed in men to the same extent. Additionally, women are more likely to experience a greater decline in self-esteem and a lower level of personal mastery (personal growth) following the loss of their mother.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) lists regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness as normal emotions in the year following parental loss. However, for some women, these feelings may persist beyond a year, potentially leading to impaired daily functioning. If this is the case, seeking help from a mental health professional may be beneficial.
Grief is not just an emotional experience; it can also have physical consequences. Studies have linked grief to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of both your emotional and physical health during the grieving process.
Finding ways to cope with the loss can help alleviate some of the pain. Honoring a mother's memory in goal-oriented ways, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a personal goal she always wanted, can provide a sense of personal accomplishment. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can also provide comfort.
It is important to remember that you are not alone in your grief. Offering your own maternal support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of their journey with grief. Additionally, there are many maternal figures in one's life, and finding another source of maternal support can help retain feelings of guidance and understanding after losing a mother.
Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide support during the grieving process. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a specialist in grief recovery. 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 may offer assistance in coping with the loss of a mother.
If you are experiencing overwhelming grief and considering self-harm or suicide, help is available right now. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide. It is essential to prioritise your well-being and seek help when needed. Losing a mother can mean losing an important part of your support system, but there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.
Read also:
- What is the expected timing for the flu season in this current year?
- Essential Information on Cushing Syndrome: a Disorder Caused by High Cortisol Levels
- Starting in September, elderly individuals aged 75 years and above will be enrolled in a preventive program for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
- Financial burdens associated with alcohol-induced offenses and criminal justice system expenses
