Grief After Mother's Loss: Unique Impact on Daughters
The loss of a mother can be a deeply traumatic experience, affecting daughters and sons differently. While grief is a natural response, it can also impair daily life and require professional support if it persists or becomes overwhelming.
Daughters may experience grief uniquely, feeling disconnected due to cultural and tradition losses. This grief can manifest physically and psychologically, increasing the risk of health issues and depression. If grief impairs daily functioning or lasts more than a year, it's crucial to seek help from mental health professionals. In Germany, notable psychotherapists like Prof. Steffen Moritz, Dr. Sophie Hirsch, and Dr. Silvia Fernando can provide support, although their focus isn't exclusively grief recovery.
Grief often occurs in stages with immediate symptoms, and can be more severe for daughters. Normal emotions in the first year may include regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. Losing a mother can also strain family relationships and leave a void in one's support system. To cope, consider keeping up with traditions, focusing on happy memories, seeking maternal figures, practicing mindfulness, honoring the mother, helping others, and seeking support.
If grief becomes overwhelming or persists for longer than a year, immediate help is available through resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line. Remember, it's essential to prioritize your mental health and well-being during this challenging time.
