Skip to content

Losing a Mother: Understanding and Coping with Grief

Losing a mother can be deeply traumatic. Learn about the effects and find ways to cope with this profound loss.

In this picture there is a baby wearing green dress and there is a table behind her which has a...
In this picture there is a baby wearing green dress and there is a table behind her which has a book placed on it.

Losing a Mother: Understanding and Coping with Grief

Losing a mother, regardless of age, can be a deeply traumatic experience. This loss can lead to various physical and psychological effects, with daughters potentially feeling more lost and disconnected due to cultural and tradition losses and a lack of maternal guidance.

The stages of grief can manifest in many ways, including increased risk of health issues and a compromised sense of self in young adults. Normal emotions in the year following parental loss may include regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. If grief becomes overwhelming, immediate help is available through resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line.

Coping mechanisms for managing grief include keeping up with traditions, focusing on happy memories, looking to other maternal figures, practicing mindfulness, honoring the mother, helping others, and seeking professional support. Extreme grief for more than a year, or difficulty completing daily tasks, may warrant speaking with a mental health professional. Books like 'Healing After the Loss of Your Mother' and 'Motherless Daughters' can provide additional support and guidance. Literary works such as Margaret Laurence's 'Eine Laune Gottes' and Eva Strasser's 'Wildhof' also delve into these themes, offering insights into the emotional complexities involved. Philosophical and biographical works by Barbara Schmitz on living a meaningful life and resilience may also offer helpful perspectives.

Losing a mother is a profound experience that can impact both physical and mental health. While grief is a natural process, it's essential to seek help if it becomes overwhelming or persists for more than a year. Various resources, books, and coping mechanisms are available to support individuals through this challenging time.

Read also:

Latest