by Morgan Levine and Molly Stackhouse

Mother’s Day can be a time of joy and celebration for some, but for others, it can bring up difficult or mixed emotions such as sadness, anger, grief, or a sense of loss. Whether you have lost your mother, have a strained relationship with her, or for any other reason find Mother’s Day challenging, this blog is for you and we want you to know that you are not alone. These feelings are often part of something common called the "mother wound," which can stem from various experiences and emotions surrounding our relationships with our mothers.

Understanding the Mother Wound:
The mother’s wound refers to emotional pain or trauma that arises from our experiences with our mothers. This could include feeling a sense of loss, feeling unloved or neglected, having a challenging relationship, or not having a mother figure in our lives. A mother wound may not have specific memories attached to it because some experiences are just all feelings and experiences we have ages 3 and younger (pre-memory) tied to how we were fed, held, played with, and generally attuned to can also create a mother wound. Though there may not be memories, these kinds of wounds often leave deep emotional scars that may resurface, especially on occasions like Mother’s Day.

Navigating a Difficult Mother’s Day:

If Mother’s Day brings up difficult emotions for you, know that it’s okay to feel the way you do. Here are some practical suggestions to help you navigate this challenging time:

1. **Acknowledge Your Feelings:** Allow yourself to acknowledge and accept your feelings, whatever they may be. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, or grief.

2. **Express Yourself:** Journal, draw, or talk it out.  Identify activities or safe people such as friends, family members, a trusted therapist, or an online forum for support. Expressing your feelings can help you feel heard and understood.

3. **Create New Traditions:** Consider creating new traditions or activities for Mother’s Day that feel meaningful to you. This could involve spending time with loved ones, engaging in self-care activities, or honoring the memory of your mother in a way that feels right for you. It could also mean mothering, or caring for, yourself today in ways that feel good to you.

4. **Practice Self-Compassion:** Be kind to yourself during this time. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend in a similar situation.

5. **Seek Professional Help if Needed:** If you find that your feelings are overwhelming or difficult to manage, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with coping strategies and a safe space to explore your emotions.

Finding peace on Mother's Day may look different for everyone. What matters most is finding ways to manage difficult emotions and creating a day that feels right for you. Remember, you are not alone in feeling this way, and it’s okay to prioritize your emotional well-being on Mother’s Day and every day. Take things one step at a time, and be gentle with yourself as you navigate this challenging time.

Authorship: This blog was written by Morgan Levine, LCSW and Molly Stackhouse, LPC. Morgan Levine (licensed in MD, DC, VA, PA, CO, and FL) and Molly Stackhouse (licensed in PA, MD, and SC) specialize in working with adults who experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, obsessions and compulsions, relationship issues, CPTSD, use of substances or people, attachment wounds, and specific trauma events.

*Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.

IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Colorado and Florida.  Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide. Connect with us through our website at https://ifsemdrtherapy.com/contact-us.

Keywords: Maryland therapist, EMDR therapist, Grief and loss therapy, Mothers Day, Pennsylvania therapist, Motherwound,