Mourning a Departed Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Find Comfort
Grief is a complex and powerful emotion that can be triggered by the loss of a loved one, such as a mother. A study has linked grief to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure.
In the year following parental loss, emotions such as regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness are considered normal, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Managing these painful memories can be challenging, but mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment and not follow thoughts down an emotional path, can be helpful. Books such as "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 additional support during the grieving process.
If immediate help is needed due to overwhelming grief or thoughts of self-harm or suicide, resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide are available. Grief that impairs daily functioning or persists for longer than a year may require the support of a mental health professional.
The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional who specializes in grief recovery. It's important to remember that the effects of grief after the loss of a mother are different for everyone, and local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can be resources for navigating the grieving process.
Loss of a mother can mean losing an important part of your support system. Daughters who lose their mother may experience grief differently than sons, potentially leading to feelings of loss and disconnection. 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 (personal growth).
Parental loss has been linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults, according to a 2021 study. Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can be beneficial and provide a sense of purpose.
Honoring a mother's memory can take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a personal goal she wanted. Maternal support can come from various sources, not just blood relatives. You may feel regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge after the loss of a mother.
A 2015 study found that, when losing a parent, women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss. The search results do not provide specific information about the most common names of psychotherapists in Germany who specialize in grief after the loss of a mother.
In conclusion, navigating grief after the loss of a mother can be a challenging journey, but there are resources available to help. Whether it's through books, support groups, mental health professionals, or honoring your mother's memory, remember that it's okay to seek help and to take the time you need to heal.
