Mourning the demise of a mother: Strategies daughters can utilize to find solace

Mourning the Departure of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Cope

Losing a mother is a profound and life-altering experience. This article aims to provide guidance and support for those navigating grief, drawing on various studies and resources.

The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can be a valuable tool in finding a specialist in grief recovery. If feelings of grief become overwhelming and lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide.

Research indicates that women may have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent compared to men. Women who experience the loss of a mother are also more likely to binge drink, have a greater decline in self-esteem, and have a lower level of personal mastery.

Grief is linked to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. If extreme grief persists for more than a year or interferes with daily tasks, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful.

Relationships within your family may be strained after the loss of a mother. Finding another source of support can help retain feelings of guidance and understanding. Maternal figures can come in various forms, and seeking out these sources of support can be beneficial.

Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance throughout the grieving process. Books like "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother: A Grief & Comfort Manual", "Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss", and "How to Survive the Loss of a Parent: A Guide for Adults" may offer assistance during this difficult time.

Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can help you become an important part of someone's journey with grief. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process.

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. Honoring a mother's memory can take many forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a personal goal she always wanted.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) lists a variety of normal emotions in the year following parental loss, such as regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. It is essential to remember that these feelings are a part of the grieving process and are not indicative of a mental health disorder.

Parental loss is linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults. If you find that your grief is impacting your daily functioning or persists for longer than a year, it may be necessary to seek the support of a mental health professional.

In the literary world, authors such as Mareike Fallwickl, Bettina Flitner, Ilse Aichinger, and Michelle Shocklee have explored grief and loss in their works, offering insights and perspectives on the grieving process. These novels can provide solace and understanding for those navigating their grief.

In conclusion, grief after the loss of a mother is a complex and emotional journey. However, with the right support, resources, and understanding, it is possible to navigate this difficult time and find a path towards healing.