Grief After Mother's Loss: Understanding and Coping
The loss of a mother can be a deeply traumatic and overwhelming experience, regardless of age. Women often face a more intense grief response and may struggle to adjust. It's crucial to understand the stages of grief and the support available.
Grief can manifest physically and psychologically, increasing risks of health issues like cancer, cardiac problems, and immune disorders. Emotions may include regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. If grief becomes overwhelming, help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or local mental health professionals.
Daughters may experience more severe grief and negative effects such as increased binge drinking and lower self-esteem. Authors like Bettina Flitner, Claudia Maria Marböck, Caroline Wahl, and Anna Maschik have shared their experiences of grief after losing a mother. Parental loss can lead to depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults.
Coping with grief involves keeping traditions, focusing on happy memories, seeking support from other maternal figures, practicing mindfulness, and honoring the mother. It's essential to remember that grief is a natural process, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength.
