Mourning the Departure of a Mom: Strategies for Daughters to Cope Effectively
Losing a mother is a profound and life-changing experience. A 2021 study found that such a loss can be linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults. This is not an uncommon occurrence, and it's essential to know that help is available during this difficult time.
Grief can impair daily functioning and persist for longer than a year. In such cases, the support of a mental health professional may be beneficial. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can provide assistance during the grieving process.
Research indicates that women may have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent compared to men. Women who experience the loss of a mother are also more likely to have a lower level of personal mastery, a greater decline in self-esteem, and are more likely to binge drink.
However, it's important to note that everyone's grieving process is unique. Losing your mother can mean feeling like you've lost an important part of your support system, and this can be true for both men and women.
Mindfulness, the ability to focus on the moment and not follow thoughts down an emotional path, can help manage painful memories related to the loss of a mother. Focusing on happy reminders such as pictures, books, or keepsakes can provide comfort during the grieving process.
Honoring a mother's memory can take various forms, such as donating to her favourite charity or achieving personal goals she encouraged. Offering maternal support to others who have experienced parental loss can also help in the grieving process. Maternal support can be found in figures other than biological mothers.
If grief becomes unbearable, immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide. The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can help find a professional specializing in grief recovery.
It's crucial to remember that the emotions experienced in the year following the loss of a parent are considered normal. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) lists a variety of normal emotions in this period, such as regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness.
In conclusion, the loss of a mother can be a challenging and complex experience. However, with understanding, support, and the right resources, it's possible to navigate through this difficult time.
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