Navigating Mourning a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Overcome Grief
Grieving the loss of a mother can be a complex and profound experience, affecting not only our emotional wellbeing but also our physical health. Here, we explore the various aspects of this journey and offer guidance for those who are coping with this loss.
Firstly, it's essential to acknowledge that grief, especially when it persists for over a year or impairs daily functioning, may require the support of a mental health professional. This support can help individuals navigate the normal but challenging emotions that often accompany parental loss, such as regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness, as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Research suggests that the loss of a mother can have severe and lasting effects. A 2015 study found that women may experience more intense grief and have more difficulty adjusting to the loss, while a 2021 study linked parental loss with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults.
Losing a mother can mean more than just clinical symptoms. It can involve feelings of losing an important part of one's support system, regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge, and strained relationships with family members.
However, there are ways to find comfort during this difficult time. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide solace. Honouring a mother's memory can also take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving personal goals she always wanted.
Moreover, maintaining traditions and starting new ones can help ease the burden of loss. Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of someone's journey with grief.
In addition, 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.
It's also worth noting that maternal support can come from figures who are not biologically related, and finding such support may help retain feelings of guidance and understanding.
Lastly, it's crucial to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If grief becomes unbearable and one is considering self-harm or suicide, immediate help is available. Call or text 988, chat at 988Lifeline.org, or text HOME to Crisis Text Line 741741.
In conclusion, while the loss of a mother can be a challenging and emotional experience, there are resources and strategies available to help individuals navigate this journey. By seeking support, focusing on positive memories, and reaching out to others, it's possible to find comfort and healing during this difficult time.
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