For many women, Mother’s Day is a day that is not always greeted with the same joy that card companies portray and is a reminder of baby loss, fertility issues or the loss of a Mother. Even for Mothers who have had children after baby loss, it can be a difficult day.
Whether you are planning to be with family or alone, to help you cope with this emotional day, our counsellor Jane has put together some suggestions of things to do that can help you. Firstly it’s important to be gentle with yourself – don’t overload yourself on the day and see how you feel.
- Do what feels right for you, this could mean you want to be on your own, and that’s fine, or you prefer being with safe friends/family. It’s important you simply do what feels right on the day.
- Turn off social media and TV if possible. Social media can be overwhelming on the day and having some distance from it on this day can be helpful.
- Buy yourself some nice flowers, being kind to yourself is important on a day like this, and something as simple as buying some flowers can help.
- Perhaps do something gentle and creative, being creative can not only be a distraction but also a way to express and process your emotions on the day.
- Take a gentle walk away from crowds, exercise and fresh air can be incredibly helpful. Take a walk somewhere quiet alone or with a friend or family member and be soothed by nature.
- Try to journal your feelings. Writing the way you feel down on paper can be incredibly helpful.
- Create time for yourself, cook some nice food, take a bath, read a book, and make some time for yourself.
- For those experiencing grief after a loss, it can also help to use this day to reflect and do something in remembrance, taking time to create something in memory such as planting a special rose or flower or bush to admire and watch.
- Lighting a nice scented candle in a safe place can also help as a reminder that the light always shines no matter how dark life is or feels.
- Lastly crying is ok – it’s good to let out those precious tears and important to process how you are feeling, so if you need to cry take some time to do so. Whatever you feel on the day all feelings are ok and understandable so try to be very kind to yourself, however, you spend the day. Remember we are here if you need to talk, simply call 01752-246788 for an appointment, we are ready to listen