The death of a beloved mother can bring forth an immense amount of anguish and grief, with lingering feelings that often last for years. In addition to the emotional devastation, the consequences can be psychologically profound, leaving a person incomplete or untethered.
For some, their mother was their primary caregiver, emotional support system, and nurturer; her passing throws these dynamics off-balance and can lead to complex emotions and psychological effects.
Understandably, this is an incredibly difficult situation to experience; however, gaining insight into what may happen following this loss may provide comfort to those who are grieving. This blog will discuss six common psychological effects of losing a mother.
Grief
The death of a mother is an experience that can leave deep emotional scars, and the range of feelings that can accompany such a loss is considerable.
Naturally, people may feel sadness, emptiness, and yearning for the departed, and it is normal for people to express their emotions differently.
Some individuals may require immediate comfort-seeking behaviors to deal with their grief, while others may attempt to internalize their sorrows by keeping quiet.
It is important to recognize that each person’s mourning process will change over time due to the ebb and flow associated with handling a difficult emotion like a loss. Grieving must not be suppressed or ignored as it is essential for our mental well-being.
Depression
Experiencing the loss of a mother can be a difficult and traumatic event, often precipitating feelings of depression and hopelessness.
For some people, this depression may become so severe that it affects their ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy everyday activities.
Some common symptoms associated with depression in this situation include persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is key to managing the condition and seeking help.
Anxiety
When a mother passes away, their loved ones often experience an immense sense of loss and anxiety.
Aside from the general sadness that usually accompanies the death of a close family member, those in mourning may find themselves worrying about a variety of things related to the deceased, such as their own mortality, a future without her presence, or the welfare of other family members who are grieving as well.
In some cases, these feelings can eventually become so pervasive that they begin to impact physical health and cause symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and racing heartbeats.
Anger
Losing a mother can evoke deep sorrow and grief, but it can also bring up difficult emotions of anger and resentment.
An individual in such a situation may feel angry at their mother for leaving them or be angry at the circumstances surrounding her death.
Though these intense emotions are understandable, it’s important to remember that anger will not change the situation or bring back the loved one.
It’s important for those grieving to recognize that emotion is part of the healing process and to look towards healthy ways of managing those feelings to prevent them from doing more harm than good.
Identity Crisis
Losing a mother can be a devastating experience, often resulting in intense feelings of uncertainty and disorientation.
For those with close relationships with their mothers, identity confusion is a common consequence due to losing their primary source of guidance, support, and validation.
With their mother no longer there, individuals may find it difficult to decide or set goals for themselves and feel overwhelmed with these tasks.
In this sense, losing a mother can profoundly disrupt an individual’s sense of identity, leaving them without an essential source of structure and direction.
Relationship Difficulties
Losing a mother can have far-reaching implications for one’s relationships with others, including both family members and friends.
Without the same source of emotional support that was once present, feelings of disconnection and loneliness may arise.
In more challenging circumstances where preexisting familial disputes exist, these may resurface even more acutely, leading to unresolved issues and potential conflict between family members.
Moreover, establishing new relationships can ultimately prove difficult since there is difficulty in recreating the bond which has been lost.
Coping with the Psychological Effects of Losing a Mother
While the psychological effects of losing a mother can be overwhelming, there are steps that individuals can take to cope with their grief and manage their emotions.
Seek Support
It is essential to turn to family, friends, or mental health specialists for support after the passing of a mother. Talking to others about your thoughts can help you understand your sadness and start recovery.
Take Care of Yourself
It is important to look after yourself both physically and emotionally when grieving the loss of a mother. This may involve getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly.
Allow Yourself to Grieve
Expressing grief in different ways and on your own time is okay. This may include crying or writing down feelings in a journal.
Writing about the loss of a mother can be an incredibly difficult task. It can be helpful to express one’s emotions and memories with grief journal prompts, which can serve as an outlet for sadness, anger, and other emotions.
Honor Your Mother’s Memory
Acknowledging your mother’s memory can help give you purpose and solace during this difficult time. This could be done by assembling a memorial, participating in charitable activities, or taking part in things your mother loved doing while she was alive.
Seek Professional Help
If you are struggling with psychological effects due to losing a loved one, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. A psychological therapist can provide support and guidance as you manage your grief journey toward healing.
Related: How To Deal With The Grief Of Losing A Mother
Conclusion
Losing a mother can have a deep influence on someone’s psychological health. Grief, depression, anxiety, anger, identity chaos, and relationship issues are all common psychological correlations with the death of a mother.
Dealing with these emotions can be tough, but allowing oneself to grieve, caring for one’s mental health, honoring the memory of the deceased mother, and seeking professional help are powerful steps toward recovery and healing.