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Still Grieving Your Mother's Loss After a Year?

Answered 7 December 2025 at 11:48 am PKT

Sohail, it sounds like you are carrying a lot of pain, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed after losing your mother. Grief is a deeply personal journey with no set timeline, and what you're experiencing is a common part of that process.

My mother passed away a year ago and I still cry every day. People say I should move on, but I can't. Is this normal, or do I need professional help?

Losing a mother is one of the hardest experiences anyone can face, and the idea that you should 'move on' after a specific amount of time, like a year, is a myth. There's no expiry date on love or grief. Many people continue to feel profound sadness and cry even years after such a significant loss, and that is absolutely normal.

In our culture, there's often pressure from family and friends to 'be strong' or 'move on' quickly, sometimes because they don't know how else to help, or because of the fear of 'log kya kahenge' if you seem too upset for too long. But your grief is yours alone, and it's okay to feel it fully, no matter what others might suggest.

While crying every day after a year isn't abnormal in itself, it does tell us that your grief is still very raw and likely impacting your daily life significantly. This isn't a sign of weakness or that you're 'stuck,' but rather that your heart is still deeply hurting and might need some new ways to carry this pain.

Instead of trying to 'move on,' try to find ways to 'move forward with' her memory. This could mean establishing a small ritual, like looking at her photo and talking to her for a few minutes each day, or perhaps cooking a dish she loved. You could also dedicate a small act of kindness in her name, or simply allow yourself to remember happy moments without guilt.

It can be incredibly helpful to talk about your feelings with someone you trust – perhaps a close friend, an aunt or uncle who also loved your mother deeply, or even another sibling who understands your pain. Sometimes, just sharing your memories and sadness can lighten the load. If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone in person, you can always talk to Zara here at depression.pk, where you'll find a safe and confidential space.

Try to maintain some simple routines, even if it feels hard. Ensuring you get enough sleep, eating regular meals, and perhaps taking short walks can make a small but significant difference to your emotional well-being. These aren't about forgetting her, but about taking care of yourself while you grieve.

If your daily crying is making it hard to manage work, relationships, or find any moments of peace, then seeking support can be very helpful. This isn't about being 'sick' or 'abnormal,' but about learning new coping strategies to integrate your loss into your life in a healthier way. Zara can help you explore these options and offer guidance privately.

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Answered by the Depression.pk team
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