Honoring All Emotions on Mother’s Day: A Mental Health Perspective
May 5, 2025 | By Katie Zweig
This is a repost of our blog originally posted in 2024.
Honoring All Experiences on Mother’s Day
With spring in full bloom and the temperature warming up, Mother’s Day is also just around the corner on Sunday May 11, 2025. It’s a day to recognize one of the hardest and most under appreciated jobs out there: being a mom. We often celebrate this day with flowers, brunches, and thank-you cards, honoring the love, labor, and life mothers give.
But that’s only one version of Mother’s Day.
For many, this day brings up a mix of emotions, joy, sorrow, anger, longing, or all of the above. We want to honor every experience this Mother’s Day. Whether you’re celebrating, grieving, or feeling something in between, your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone.
Who Might Be Struggling on Mother’s Day?
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We can’t always know how someone feels on a day like this, but it can be helpful to check in with people in your life, especially if any of the following situations apply to them.
Those Struggling with Infertility
Trying to conceive can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Many women and couples face pressure, both subtle and overt, to have children, often hearing questions like, “When are you going to have kids?” While usually well-intentioned, these questions can feel incredibly painful for those navigating infertility or reproductive challenges.
People Who Have Lost a Parent, Child, or Partner
You don’t have to have lost your mother to feel grief on Mother’s Day. For those grieving a loved one, whether it’s a parent, a child, or a partner this holiday can bring up intense memories and emotions. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and days like this often amplify the sense of loss for the entire family.
Individuals with Difficult or Estranged Parent Relationships
Not everyone has a positive or nurturing relationship with their parents. For some, experiences of neglect, abuse, rejection, or emotional disconnection have left lasting scars. Society often encourages reconciliation no matter the cost, but healing can sometimes mean setting boundaries or letting go of toxic relationships. That choice deserves respect.
Those Separated from Their Birth Families
Whether through adoption, foster care, or other circumstances, separation from a birth family can bring up complex and painful feelings, especially on Mother’s Day. While adoptive or foster families may provide love and support, that doesn’t erase the grief and loss experienced by the child, the birth parents, or the adoptive parents. This day can feel especially complicated when gratitude and grief coexist.
How to Support Someone Who’s Struggling on Mother’s Day
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It can feel intimidating to bring up painful topics, even with people we care about. But when someone is grieving or feeling overwhelmed, a simple check-in can mean a lot. Here are a few thoughtful ways to show support:
“Hey, I know it’s been about a year since your mom passed. How are you doing today?”
“I know this day can bring up difficult feelings for you. Is there anything I can do to support you?”
“I’m here for you today. Would you like to do something together to take your mind off things?”
Taking Care of Yourself on Mother’s Day
If you’re struggling this Mother’s Day, know that it's okay to feel whatever you’re feeling. Self-care can look different for everyone. Whether it’s taking a long bath, writing a letter you don’t plan to send, or simply allowing yourself to cry or scream into a pillow, your emotions deserve space.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
As we reflect on the many emotional layers of Mother’s Day, it's also important to recognize Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place this year from Monday, May 5 to Sunday, May 11, 2025, with World Maternal Mental Health Day on Wednesday, May 7.
This awareness week shines a light on the mental health challenges mothers and birthing parents may face during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, including postpartum depression, anxiety, grief, and identity struggles. These experiences often go unseen, especially when society focuses on the joys of motherhood without acknowledging the very real challenges many parents quietly endure.
As we approach Mother’s Day, we also honor Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, happening May 5–11, 2025, with World Maternal Mental Health Day on Wednesday, May 7.
This awareness week shines a light on the mental health challenges mothers and birthing parents may face during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, including postpartum depression, anxiety, grief, and identity struggles. These experiences often go unseen, especially when society focuses on the joys of motherhood without acknowledging the very real challenges many parents quietly endure.
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At Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy, we support mothers and birthing parents through every stage, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. If you’re struggling, we’re here to help.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re struggling this Mother’s Day or during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, please know you are not alone. At Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy, our compassionate team of licensed therapists is here to support mothers and birthing parents through every stage, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Your mental health matters every step of the way.
We offer both in-person and virtual therapy for individuals across Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and Psypact states. No matter where you are, support is within reach. Let us help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to heal.
Reach Out
If you’re considering professional support, we’re here to help. Please reach out to schedule a free, no-commitment consultation. There’s no fee and no obligation—just click the button below to get started.
You can also call or text us at 202-656-3681, or email us directly. Give yourself the opportunity for the support you deserve.