Mourning a Maternal Loss: Strategies for Daughters to Cope Effectively
Losing a mother is a profound and life-changing experience. The grief process can be complex and challenging, but there are resources and strategies available to help.
One way to honour a mother's memory is by donating to her favourite charity or achieving a personal goal. It's important to remember that maternal support can come from various figures in one's life, not just a blood relative.
Grief can be overwhelming, and seeking help is a sign of strength. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional specializing in grief recovery. If you're experiencing overwhelming grief, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available via the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide.
Research has shown that women may have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent. A 2015 study found that women are more likely than men to binge drink, have a lower level of personal mastery (personal growth), and experience a greater decline in self-esteem after the loss of a mother.
Grief can also have physical effects. A 2021 study found that parental loss is linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults. Additionally, grief has been linked to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure.
However, there are ways to cope with this pain. Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment, can help in dealing with painful memories related to a mother's loss. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grief 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 provide help during the grief process. The author of "Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss" is Hope Edelman.
Remember, it's normal to experience regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness in the year following parental loss, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can be a meaningful way to cope with grief. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance during the grief process. If grief impairs daily functioning or persists for longer than a year, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful.
In conclusion, the loss of a mother can be a difficult and emotional experience, but there are resources and strategies available to help navigate the grief process. Remember, it's okay to seek help and to take the time you need to heal.
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