How To Cope With Mother's Day

Mother's Day can be a difficult time for many people. It can be a reminder of the mother's, children, pregnancies and motherly figures that have died. Here are a couple of tips to help you navigate your way through this day.

Do what feels right for you

Don't feel pressurised into doing anything that you don't want to do. If you feel like forgetting the day entirely and treating it like a normal day then there is nothing wrong with that. On the other hand if you feel like you want to mark the occasion and do something special like going out for a family meal or visiting a grave or a special place you used to go together then this can be a great way to help you feel closer to your loved one on Mother's Day.

Special ways to mark the day

If you do feel well enough to do something to mark the day, then some special things you can do are:

• Plant a flower or create a special area in your garden to remember your loved one. You could sit there to reflect and remember them.
• Light a candle with a photo next to it as a gesture to remember your loved one.
• Start a grief journal if you haven't done so already, you can fill it with memories of your loved one or your thoughts and feelings to get them off your chest.
• Write a letter to your loved one with everything you wish you could say to them.
• Visit a special place that you both used to go e.g. a favourite viewing spot or a restaurant you used to both love.

Avoid social media if you need to

Social media can be very triggering on Mother's Day, with everyone sharing happy posts with their mothers, children and loved ones or gifts that they have bought. It can be a good idea to stay off social media if you find this especially triggering. Spend some time with loved ones instead or talk some time out for self care.

Reach out for some support

If you're struggling with your grief and feel like you need some support then reach out to your family members or friends, or speak to somebody trained in bereavement support through a charity or support group. Some examples of support groups and charities include Cruse, Sue Ryder, Good Grief, Grief Encounter, Samaritans, WAY and Winston's Wish.