Grief After Mother's Loss: When to Seek Help
The loss of a mother can be a deeply traumatic experience, regardless of age or circumstances. Grief can impair daily functioning and may require professional support if it persists for longer than a year. Daughters, in particular, may experience the stages of grief differently due to cultural and tradition losses and a lack of maternal guidance.
Normal emotions in the year following a mother's loss can include a range of feelings such as regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness. It's important to note that grief can occur in stages with immediate symptoms, and may be more severe for daughters than sons. If grief becomes overwhelming or lasts for more than a year, or if daily tasks become difficult to complete, seeking help from a mental health professional is recommended.
Coping with grief can involve various strategies. Keeping up with traditions, focusing on happy memories, seeking maternal figures, practicing mindfulness, honoring the mother, and helping others can all be beneficial. For daughters, specialized grief groups, professional psychological counseling, child-appropriate grief support, sensitive books, and rituals like creating memory books can be particularly helpful. Losing a mother can mean losing an important part of your support system, which may strain family relationships.
The loss of a mother can lead to both physical and psychological effects, including an increased risk of health issues and depression. If grief becomes overwhelming, immediate help is available through resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line. Remember, it's okay to seek help and support during this difficult time.
