Maternal Loss Leaves Lasting Impact on Young Adults, Especially Daughters
A recent study has emphasized the significant impact of maternal loss on young adults, with daughters being particularly affected. This loss isn't merely emotionally devastating but also linked to various health issues and behavioral changes.
Research published in 2021 has shown a strong connection between parental loss and depression in young adults, along with a compromised sense of self. This loss can be sudden, as in the case of an unexpected event, or the result of a prolonged decline in health. The grief experienced can be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on anything beyond the loss itself. It can manifest in various stages, with immediate symptoms often including regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness.
Literature has long explored the complexities of loss and grief. Annett Gröschner's novel 'Schwebende Lasten' delves into the struggle of coping with multiple losses, including that of children, and reflects on the stoic acceptance of fate and emotional resilience. Raphaël Sigal's 'Géographie de l'oubli' explores inherited silence and family loss through the lens of his grandmother's passing, blending memory and fiction. Jutta Treiber's 'Bauchmama – Kuschelmama' sensitively addresses adoption and the emotional questions of maternal loss and belonging from a child's perspective. Sarah Kuttner's 'Mama & Sam' draws from her personal experience with her mother's emotional suffering, touching on themes of betrayal and loss in later life.
The impact of maternal loss extends beyond emotional distress. Studies suggest that grief is linked to increased chances of cancer, cardiac issues, immune disorders, and high blood pressure. Women who experience this loss are more likely to binge drink, have a greater decline in self-esteem, and have a lower level of personal mastery. Interestingly, a 2015 study found that women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss of a parent, with daughters being particularly affected.
The loss of a mother can be a traumatic experience, regardless of age, leaving a void that extends beyond clinical symptoms. It can mean losing an important part of one's support system, with far-reaching effects on mental health, behavior, and even physical well-being. Understanding these impacts is crucial for providing appropriate support to those navigating this challenging journey.
