Mourning the Departure of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Manage Grief
Losing a mother is a profound and life-changing experience. It's important to remember that everyone's journey through grief is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to cope. Here are some insights and resources that may help.
The Impact of Parental Loss on Women
A study conducted by Claudia Eilles-Matthiessen in 2015 found that women often experience a more intense grief response and have more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parental figure. This is not to say that men do not feel the same intensity of grief, but the study suggests that women may be more affected.
Grieving and Mental Health
Grief can impact our mental health in various ways. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) lists a variety of normal emotions in the year following parental loss, including regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness.
If grief impairs daily functioning or persists for longer than a year, it may be beneficial to seek the support of a mental health professional. Help is available right now. In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text the Crisis Text Line, or find a helpline in your country through Befrienders Worldwide.
Support Systems and Coping Strategies
Finding another 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 assistance during the grieving process. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a grief recovery specialist.
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. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can also bring comfort.
Personal Growth and Traditions
The death of a mother can mean losing an important part of your support system and feeling regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge. Starting your own traditions may help you find comfort knowing your children will have both yours and your mother's traditions to carry on with them. Keeping up with traditions from your mother, such as making recipes she used to cook or using the same fragrances she used in her home, may help ease the burden of loss.
The Physical Impact of Grief
Grief is linked to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure, according to a study. It's crucial to take care of your physical health during this time.
Remembering and Honouring Your Mother
Honoring a mother's memory can take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or setting personal goals that she always wanted. These acts can provide a sense of purpose and help in the healing process.
Offering Support to Others
Offering one's own maternal support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of their journey with grief. Sharing your experiences and offering a listening ear can help others feel less alone in their grief.
In conclusion, grief after the loss of a mother is a complex and personal experience. It's essential to remember that it's okay to seek help, and there are resources available to support you. Take care of yourself, and remember that time does heal.
