Mourning a Dear Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Navigate Grief
Losing a mother is an incredibly difficult experience, and it's natural to feel a range of intense emotions. A series of studies have shown that women who experience this loss may be more likely to struggle with binge drinking, a decline in self-esteem, and a lower level of personal mastery (personal growth) compared to men.
Grief, in general, has been linked to increased chances of various health issues, including cancer, cardiac problems, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. It's important to remember that everyone's experience with grief is unique, and the effects of losing a mother can vary greatly.
Research has also found that women may have a more intense grief response and find it harder to adjust to the loss when a parent passes away. This is not to say that men do not experience significant grief; rather, it highlights the unique challenges women may face.
It's crucial to know that help is available for those experiencing overwhelming grief or considering self-harm or suicide. Resources include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide. If your grief persists for more than a year or interferes with your daily tasks, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) notes an array of normal emotions in the year following parental loss, including regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. Honoring a mother's memory can take many forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a personal goal she always wanted.
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. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance during the grieving process.
Books like "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother", "Motherless Daughters", and "How to Survive the Loss of a Parent" may provide comfort and guidance during this difficult time. Offering maternal support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of their journey with grief.
Remember, losing your mother can mean feeling like you've lost an important part of your support system. You may experience regret for lost family traditions and cultural knowledge after losing your mother. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process.
Authors like Marion Brasch and Irene Forbes-Mosse have written about their experiences with grief and loss, which may resonate with those mourning the death of their mothers. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional who specializes in grief recovery.
In conclusion, navigating grief after the loss of a mother is a challenging journey, but there is support available. It's important to remember that it's okay to seek help and that healing takes time.
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