Mourning a Dear Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Overcome Grief
In the aftermath of losing a mother, it's common to experience a range of emotions that can impact daily life. According to various studies, this loss may lead to feelings of depression, a compromised sense of self, and a profound sense of losing a crucial support system.
Loss can leave us feeling disconnected, and relationships with family members may become strained. Daughters, in particular, may experience grief differently than sons, with a 2015 study suggesting that women have a more intense grief response and find it harder to adjust to the loss of a parent.
The mother-daughter bond is often deep and central to identity formation, and daughters may experience more intense feelings of loss and trauma. However, there are ways to cope with this loss trauma. Supportive social networks, therapy focused on processing grief, and finding ways to maintain a symbolic connection with your mother can all help.
Cultural and tradition losses, plus a lack of maternal guidance, can leave daughters feeling lost and disconnected from those closest to them. But it's important to remember that maternal support can come from various figures, not just blood relatives.
If the grief becomes unbearable or persists for more than a year, interfering with daily tasks, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional who specializes in grief recovery.
In times of crisis, help is always available. If you're struggling, you can reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide for support.
Honoring a mother's memory can take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a personal goal she always wanted. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process.
It's also worth noting that grief is linked to increased chances of certain health issues, such as cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. 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.
Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment and not follow thoughts down an emotional path, can help when recalling painful memories related to the loss of a mother. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can also provide assistance during the grieving process.
Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can be a way to become an important part of someone's journey with grief. By sharing your experiences and offering a listening ear, you can help others navigate their own grieving process and find comfort in knowing they're not alone.
