Mourning the Departure of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Cope Effectively
Losing a mother is an incredibly difficult experience, and it's normal to feel a range of intense emotions. A 2015 study found that women, in particular, may experience a more intense grief response and have more difficulty adjusting to the loss compared to men. This grief can have far-reaching effects, impacting various aspects of a person's life, from self-esteem to daily functioning.
Research conducted in 2021 revealed that parental loss is linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults. However, there are ways to cope and find support during this challenging time.
Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment and not follow thoughts down an emotional path, can be particularly helpful when recalling painful memories related to the loss of a mother. Finding another maternal support system can also help retain feelings of guidance and understanding. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide invaluable support throughout the grieving process.
The most common treatments a psychotherapist offers for extreme and prolonged grief lasting more than a year with daily living difficulties include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), complicated grief therapy (CGT), supportive counseling, and sometimes pharmacological interventions if depression or anxiety co-occur. Therapy aims to help patients process grief, regain functionality, and manage emotional symptoms. In some cases, ergotherapy may be used to improve daily living skills if those are impaired. Treatment is typically individualized based on symptom severity and patient needs.
If the grief of losing a mother becomes unbearable, help is available right now through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide. It's essential to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Women who experience the loss of a mother are more likely than men to have a greater decline in self-esteem and a lower level of personal mastery (personal growth). Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process. Books like "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother
