Losing a mother is one of the most profound losses a person can experience. The psychological effects of losing a mother can be long-lasting and deeply impactful, affecting everything from emotional well-being to one’s sense of identity.
With Mother’s Day approaching this Sunday, the absence of a mother can feel even more pronounced. If you or someone you love is grieving, know that you are not alone. Our support events are here for you, offering a compassionate space to navigate your grief.
Understanding the Psychological Effects of Losing a Mother
Grieving the loss of a mother can lead to a range of emotional and psychological responses, but it’s important to know that everyone’s journey in grief is completely unique.
Common responses to the loss of a mother include:
- Intense Sadness – The void left by a mother’s passing can trigger deep sorrow.
- Anxiety and Fear – Losing a mother can evoke fears of being alone or worries about one’s own mortality.
- Identity Shifts – A mother is often a central figure in one’s life. Without her, individuals may struggle with a changed sense of self.
- Guilt and Regret – Many people experience guilt over unresolved conflicts or things left unsaid.
- Heightened Longing on Special Occasions – Anniversaries, birthdays, and especially Mother’s Day can amplify feelings of loss.
Grief looks different for everyone. One way to find comfort is through books that provide insight, support, and a sense of connection with others who have walked a similar path.
5 Books to Help You Cope with the Loss of a Mother
If you are struggling with the psychological effects of losing a mother, these books can offer solace, understanding, and guidance:
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“Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss” by Hope Edelman
This groundbreaking book explores how the loss of a mother shapes a woman’s life at different stages. Based on personal stories and research, it offers validation and insight into the grieving process.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon user review
“Such a valuable book
Such a valuable book for all motherless daughters everywhere. Hope writes my thoughts so eloquently and seems to speak what I have t been able to say for many many years. I’ve found her book at an important and pivotal time in my life.“
“The Orphaned Adult: Understanding and Coping with Grief and Change After the Death of Our Parents” by Alexander Levy
A structured grief journal filled with prompts, creative activities, and self-care tips, designed to help process emotions through writing and artistic expression.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon user review
“A beautiful book written with honesty and understanding
A beautiful book – I would love to meet the author. He writes with full understanding of what it feels like to be an orphaned adult. He shares his own experiences and emotions as if he were a close friend, and I am so grateful to him for that.“
“Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief” by Martha Whitmore Hickman
Grief can feel overwhelming, but small daily reflections can provide comfort. This book offers gentle meditations to help process emotions and find moments of peace.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon user review
“Solace
Such a beautiful book with short sayings and reflections. Very comforting, especially when you don’t have a network of support or when others don’t understand and judge you.“
“It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand” by Megan Devine
This compassionate guide validates the deep pain of loss while challenging societal expectations about grief. It’s a great read for those who feel misunderstood in their mourning.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon user review
“Validating & companionship
I’m so sorry if you’ve come by this book because you’re grieving and so heartened if you are supporting someone who is grieving. Megan explores and explains strategies for dealing with life, death, grief – the whole damn gamut of emotions, our inner selves and people, especially dealing with people trying to fix the utterly unfixable.”
“I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping, and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One” by Brook Noel and Pamela D. Blair
For those who have lost their mother unexpectedly, this book provides guidance on navigating shock, grief, and finding resilience.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon user review
“Superb for anyone suffering a sudden death, this is a good companion and will help you
It is helpful because it lets you know that the feelings you have, they have had, you aren’t going mad, its par for the course. Helpful section on what you need to do if you have never faced a loss before and need to know who you have to notify and when.“
📚 If you’re looking for more book recommendations, visit our Books for Grief Hub for a curated selection of reads that might offer comfort and understanding.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
The psychological effects of losing a mother can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. This Mother’s Day, if you’re missing your mom, allow yourself to grieve, honour her memory in a way that feels right for you, and seek support when needed. Our grief support events provide a compassionate community where you can share your feelings and find comfort among those who understand.
Grief is a personal journey, but with time, support, and resources like these books, healing is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with the loss of a mother, reach out for help. You deserve kindness, understanding, and space to heal.
Photo by Abinash Jothimani on Unsplash
🧠 Understand the ‘Stages’ of Grief
Many people first encounter grief through the idea of “stages,” but the model is often simplified or misunderstood.
Our Stages of Grief page looks at where the framework began, what each stage represents, and how it can support understanding – without suggesting that grief unfolds in a tidy order.
Explore the page to learn:
📘 A clear explanation of what the Five Stages are (and what they’re not)
🧭 Why grief rarely moves in a straight line
🌊 How feelings can rise and fall in waves
🧩 Other grief models that may resonate more with your experience