Mother’s day can be isolating and sad for millions whose mother has died
Mother’s Day began in 1907 as a day to honour mothers who had died but is now dominated by celebrations for the living. Weeks of endless Mother’s Day promotions culminate in a day that for millions of Australians is a reminder of their mother loss creating feelings of overwhelming sadness and isolation.
Motherless Daughters Australia (MDA) is encouraging everyone who will experience the joy of spending time with or speaking to their mum this Mother’s Day to acknowledge and support those navigating life without their mum.
Mother loss has a life altering impact particularly on girls and women.
ABS data reveals that 3.7 million Australian women mothers have died 1.2 million of those before the age of 44.
MDA is a not for profit charity that offers programs and connection in platforms that allow them to share their grief, happy memories and bittersweet milestones.
Draw Her Wings is an MDA initiative to honour all mothers who have died. The simple heart shape with a halo can be drawn anywhere and on any surface. The wings are appearing on car windows, beaches, as coffee art even as tattoos. #Drawherwings
Danielle Snelling, Co–Founder of Motherless Daughters Australia says small gestures go a long way. “Whether it’s been a few months or 50 years, no one gets over losing their mother but they do learn to live with it and everyone does that differently. Let someone know you are thinking of them, say their mum’s name and let’s remember all mothers on Mother’s Day including those who now have wings.”
● Over 1900 women have participated in MDA’s Friends In Grief that launched in 2021– a program that connects women with others whose mothers died at a similar age and in similar circumstances.
● A recent survey conducted by MDA, revealed that 67% of women have either been diagnosed with, or suffer from anxiety after their mother died. 60% reported depression, while reports of psychological trauma, memory loss, behavioural/social problems, and a tendency to abuse drugs or alcohol were also reported. An overwhelming 80% all reported that the loss of their mum contributed to the conditions above.
● Adults with early parental loss are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and substance use disorders as well as adopting maladaptive coping strategies incl. increased levels of self-blame, self-medication and emotional eating. Hoeg et al 2016.
