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The loss of parents is one of the deepest and most painful experiences we can encounter in life. Whether our parents are close to us or we have a complicated relationship with them, their loss is a wound that will affect our life forever. This loss has deep impacts on our psyche and can have long-term physical consequences.
How grief affects our brain
Research shows that the loss of parents can change the functioning of our brain and cause long-term changes in our emotional and physical state. Key brain areas affected include the cingulate gyrus, the frontal cortex and the cerebellum. These areas are responsible for emotions, memories, sleep and appetite.
When we experience deep sorrow or depression, it can lead to sleep and appetite disorders, which reflects how seriously our brain can be affected by this trauma.
Long-term consequences of losing parents
The loss of parents can trigger intense grief that can turn into anger and depression. This condition can have far-reaching consequences for our mental health, including an increased risk of long-term emotional and mental problems such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
If we have time to prepare for the loss of a parent, for example when a parent is chronically ill, it can help us better process and adapt to this loss. However, regardless of preparation, the loss of parents is always a profound blow.
Loss of parents in childhood
Losing a parent in childhood has particular and often serious consequences. According to statistics, approximately one in 20 children under 15 will lose one or both parents. This early loss can significantly affect a child’s psychological and emotional development and can have long-term consequences on their ability to cope with stress and build healthy relationships in adulthood.
Acceptance and processing of loss
There is no universal approach to coping with the loss of a parent. Each person goes through this process differently and the loss has a deep impact on the mental, physical and emotional aspects of their life. It is important to seek support, whether from friends, family, or professionals, and not to forget your own needs during a period of grief.
The loss of parents is a painful and life-changing event. It is important to realize that it is normal to feel pain and sadness and that it is important to look for ways to cope with this loss and move forward. It is a process that can take a long time, but with time and support many people are able to adapt and find new ways to live and feel better.
