Mother's Day
Mother’s Day is coming up - a day to celebrate with your mum for some, but for others it can be a triggering time. If you’re someone who has lost their mum, has a complicated relationship with them or doesn't have contact with family, you might find this weekend a bit tough. You're not alone in this!
Here are some tips that might help you get through Mothers Day:
- Reduce your time on social media this weekend - seeing other people spending time with family all over your social media feeds can be really upsetting. Instead, you might want to stay in and watch a movie, or head outside to do some reading or arts.
- Hang out with your friends or family. You could go for lunch with a friend or family member, or stay in and play some games together (video games, card games, or board games).
- Try some journaling - treat yourself to a new notebook or grab whatever paper you have, and write out what feelings Mother's Day brings up for you. Sometimes putting pen to paper and getting it all out can help you feel a bit better. Here are some questions to get you started:
- What is your favourite memory with your mum? If you’ve lost your mum, it might be nice to reflect and reminisce about good times together.
- If you’re unable to see your mum on Mother’s Day, what is something you are looking forward to next time you see them?
- If your mum isn’t in your life anymore, is there someone who you see as a motherly figure? Maybe you could write them a letter or card to show your appreciation.
- You might want to get creative and write a poem about Mother’s Day instead, or compose a song. It can be helpful to tune into your creative side during tough days.
- If you see a therapist, you could book in a session to explore what feelings are coming up for you, with their support. You might also find it helpful to book in a free PeerChat session with a ReachOut peer worker.
If Mother’s Day becomes too much for you or those around you, please reach out to supports like Kids Helpline, Lifeline, 13YARN or 1800RESPECT. We’re also here to support you if you’re comfortable posting in the community instead.
How are you planning to spend Mother's Day? Also, what’s your favourite way to recharge when times have been tough?
Comments
Hello Everyone,
Typically I have not been celebrating Mother's Day for a couple of years now, owing to the fact that I'm overseas studying and thus unable to see my mother until the end of the year when I go back.
Personally, on this day I would send a thoughtful message to my mom on Mother's Day, and she will typically update me on what she's is doing with my dad and sister on that day ☺️
However, for this year, my parents including my mother was able to come over to see me a couple of weeks back, which was a very nice experience.
Generally, Mother's Day becomes a time of reflection for me, just being grateful for what I have and really cherishing the time I get to have with my mother when I get back
What I typically like to do when times get tough would be to take a walk, do something physical ( generally for me that would be cooking)
I am not a good cook by long stretch lol 😂 but I do find it very calming and it helps clear my mind on off days ( I also get a nice meal in the end as a nice little bonus 😊)
This Mother's Day I am going to take my mum out for lunch with my brother at a nice cafe 😺 Mother's day is usually pretty stressful when the whole family gets involved, so limiting the lunch to myself, my mum and my brother means it will be a lot calmer and more enjoyable this year hopefully! Recently when things have been stressful, I've been making sure to take some time to spend some time to myself in my room, watching shows or youtube videos on my laptop and chilling on my bed. I find it a lot easier to recharge by myself and when watching things that I enjoy! I also can find interacting with lots of people exhausting, so spending time by myself is the best way for me to calm myself down after a tough week.
