Mourning the Death of a Mother: Strategies for Daughters to Cope Effectively
Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, especially when it comes to the loss of a mother. This article aims to provide insights and resources for those navigating this challenging journey.
Firstly, it's important to understand that grief can have far-reaching effects on one's health. Studies have linked grief to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. However, it's crucial to remember that everyone's experience is unique, and the effects of grief after the loss of a mother are different for everyone.
In the midst of grief, finding solace and support can be crucial. Books like "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 helpful guidance during this difficult time.
Remember, being a mother doesn't always mean a blood connection. Finding other maternal figures can help provide guidance and understanding. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can also provide comfort during the grieving process.
If grief persists for more than a year or affects daily functioning, it may be helpful to seek the support of a mental health professional. Grief that affects daily functioning or persists for longer than a year may require professional intervention. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional who specializes in grief recovery.
Common names of psychotherapists and counseling services specialized in grief processing after the loss of a mother include Natalie Katia Greve, who offers psychological support and grief counseling, and Julia Gohlke, a psychotherapist and parent who supports bereaved parents through her "Liebe Sternenmama" podcast. Benjamin Dittrich provides psychological counseling particularly for trauma and perinatal depression, especially among fathers. Specialized psychosocial centers like Xenion Berlin, Refugio Bremen, and others offer targeted therapeutic services for trauma and grief support.
Research has shown that 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). A 2015 study found that women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent.
However, it's not all about the challenges. Honoring a mother's memory can mean different things to different people, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving a goal she always wanted. Offering maternal support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of their journey with grief.
It's also important to remember that help is available for those experiencing unbearable grief or contemplating self-harm or suicide. Resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide are there to help in times of need.
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness are listed as normal emotions in the year following parental loss. The effects of grief after the loss of a mother are complex and multifaceted, but there is support and resources available to help navigate this challenging journey.
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