Mourning Mother's Demise: Strategies Daughters Can Employ to Cope

Mourning a Mom's Demise: Strategies for Female Offspring to Overcome

Grieving the loss of a mother is a complex and deeply personal journey. Here are some facts that may help those going through this difficult time.

During the grieving process, focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort. However, it's important to note that relationships within the family may become strained after a mother's loss.

Grief affects everyone differently, and daughters may experience grief differently than sons, potentially leading to feelings of loss and disconnection. This difference in grief responses is backed by several studies.

If grief impairs your daily functioning or persists for longer than a year, it may be beneficial to seek the support of a mental health professional. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can be valuable resources for navigating the grieving process.

Honoring a mother's memory in personal and goal-oriented ways can provide a sense of personal accomplishment. Books such as "Healing After the Loss of Your Mother", "Motherless Daughters", and "How to Survive the Loss of a Parent" may offer help in navigating this journey.

Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of their grief journey. It's also crucial to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The death of a mother can lead to negative effects, such as depression, a compromised sense of self, and increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. If overwhelmed by grief and considering self-harm or suicide, help is available immediately through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide.

Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the present moment, can help manage painful memories related to the loss of a mother. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) lists regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness as normal emotions in the year following parental loss.

It's worth noting that a 2015 study found that women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent. This study, along with others, suggests that the loss of a mother can have more negative effects on daughters than on sons.

Maternal figures can be found beyond blood relations, and seeking their support can help retain feelings of guidance and understanding. Losing a mother can mean a loss of an important part of your support system, so it's essential to reach out and find support where you can.

If you're struggling to cope, remember that you're not alone. Reach out to a mental health professional, join a support group, or talk to someone you trust. Healing takes time, but with patience and support, it is possible to find a new normal.