Helpful Tips for Coping with the Loss of a Mother

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Care Dimensions Bereavement Staff As Mother’s Day approaches, this may be a challenging time of year for people who have had their mothers pass away, either recently or years ago. As adults, our relationships with our parents often change and mature over time and we may find that we value the relationships more and even become friends with our parents. We turn to our moms for comfort, decision making, and reassurance. When a mother dies, people often feel like they have lost their closest ally in life.

If you are coping with the loss of a mother, here are some suggestions as Mother’s Day approaches:

1. Realize that your grief has no time table and that walking past the large, colorful and cheerful display of Mother’s Day cards at the grocery store may trigger a painful grief reaction for people who long to spend the day celebrating with their mom.


2. Seek support from others, whether by joining a grief support group or talking with close family and friends about your emotions. This support can validate your feelings and help you process them.


3. Focus on taking care of yourself with the basics, such as eating and sleeping well, exercising, and taking time for activities you enjoy. Mothering yourself can help you better cope with your feelings of grief.


4. Find ways to honor and commemorate your mother either privately, as a family, or in your community.


5. Plant your mother’s favorite flowers, make one of her recipes to share with friends, or visit her favorite restaurant or outdoor venue. These types of activities can help you feel more connected to your mother and allow you to feel that you are continuing a relationship with her.


6. Remember that the gifts our mothers have given us over the years – such as unconditional love, comfort, and support – always remain with us in all we do.

 

Care Dimensions offers a variety of support groups, including Loss of a Mother and Loss of a Parent, several times a year. For more information, please visit https://www.caredimensions.org/grief-support/workshops-support-groups.cfm or call 855-774-5100.