Blog post written by,
Tetiana Sukach, PhD
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Many countries around the world celebrate Mother’s Day. In the United States, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Many associate this holiday with excitement and celebration of mothers or those who fulfilled that role in their absence. It is hard to avoid the narrative of Mother’s Day being a happy celebration as shelves in the stores fill up with presents addressed to moms, inboxes fill up with numerous marketing emails, celebratory events are organized in your community and family, and people in your circle anticipate the joys of the day.
However, Mother’s Day is a holiday that can evoke a variety of complex feelings and emotions.
Despite more socially welcomed feelings of happiness and joy, this day can be difficult for many people. Anticipation of Mother’s Day can bring up a wide range of emotions. It is common to experience anxiety, sadness, emotional pain, and grief on this day.
We all have different stories, lived experiences, and memories associated with the word “mother.” Based on your unique life story, you may associate it with closeness, estrangement, loss, support, unfulfilled needs, unconditional love, absence, abandonment, etc. This holiday may be particularly challenging for a variety of reasons. Some may be grieving their mothers. Some may be longing for a mother they never had. Some may be processing the fact that they will never be able to experience motherhood. Some may be tackling an altered meaning of this day after their child’s passing. Some may be grieving the changing nature of their relationship with their mothers as they age. Some may be feeling sadness or anger towards a mother that was not able to meet their needs. Some may be grappling with the pain of a terminated pregnancy. Some may be struggling to embrace their identity as a new mother. Some may be missing their mother/children as they are separated by distance. And the list goes on. There is room for all of these experiences. Whatever your experience may be, it is important to honor it.
There is no “right” way to experience Mother’s Day. Don’t deny what you are feeling or trap yourself in the idea of how you “should” feel. Let the day unfold and lean on others if you need support to get through it. Be flexible with Mother's Day activities and allow yourself to take a step back if that is what you need to do to honor your pain. Acknowledging your emotions can help you navigate this day better and be more attuned to your needs.
For more information about maternal mental health and grief, please contact Dr. Tetiana at therapy@drsukach.com or (954)-228-5580 and schedule a FREE 30 minute phone consultation.
Tetiana Sukach, PhD
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Eating Disorders, Couples and Family Therapy
I specialize in working with clients who are dealing with body image concerns, disordered eating, and eating disorders. I also work with clients struggling with a variety of other issues such as trauma, grief and loss, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about helping couples and families navigate challenging relational dynamics, conflict, trauma, and life transitions.
Sessions available also in Ukrainian and Russian