Dealing with the Demise of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Cope Effectively
Losing a mother can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience, especially for daughters. According to various studies, women who experience this loss may be more likely to struggle with binge drinking, experience a greater decline in self-esteem, and have a lower level of personal mastery (personal growth) compared to men.
The death of a mother can mean a significant loss of an important part of one's support system. This loss can lead to feelings of regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge, and potentially feelings of disconnection. Daughters may experience grief differently than sons, which can make the grieving process more complex.
However, it's important to remember that help is available. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance and support throughout the grieving process. Other maternal figures in one's life, such as aunts, grandmothers, or close family friends, can also offer comfort and guidance.
Grief is a complex emotion and is linked to increased chances of various health issues, such as cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure, according to a study. 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.
Books such as "Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss" by Hope Edelman, "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother: A Grief & Comfort Manual", and "How to Survive the Loss of a Parent: A Guide for Adults" may offer assistance and comfort during the grieving process. If extreme grief persists for more than a year or one is having trouble completing daily tasks, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful.
Honoring a mother's memory can provide comfort during the grieving process. This can involve donating to her favourite charity or pursuing a goal she always wanted for you. Keeping up with traditions from your mother or starting your own traditions may also help ease the burden of loss.
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. If one is experiencing overwhelming grief, help is available right now through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide.
Offering one's own maternal support to others who have experienced parental loss can be a meaningful way to cope with grief. By helping others, we can find a sense of purpose and connection, even in the face of loss.
It's important to remember that the effects of grief after the loss of a mother are different for everyone. If grief impairs daily functioning or persists for longer than a year, it may require the support of a mental health professional. But by seeking help, remembering happy times, and supporting each other, we can navigate this challenging time and find a path to healing.
