Mother’s Day & Grief
What do you do on Mother’s Day, without your Mum, motherly figure, or the one that made you a mum? It can feel like you are the only person in the world who can’t spend Mother’s Day how you’d like to. Truthfully, there’s a whole community out there of young people feeling the very same way today. Understandably, that doesn’t make you miss your own loved one any less, but it can help you to feel less alone.
We wanted to share some tips with you on how you could best support yourself on the lead up to and on the day itself:
Write a letter to your loved one on all the things you wish you could share with them,
Write a letter to yourself as a reminder of how far you’ve come. Or, if you’re struggling in your grief, let it out, put it down onto a page,
Read Bridget’s honest letter to herself after the loss of her Mum at 15, here,
Make a memory box. Your box can include any letters you’ve written, photographs, your loved ones belongings.. anything you’d like to add. It’s comforting to have a memory box to go to when your grief feels heavier than usual,
Write a Mother’s Day card or buy flowers to display as an act of remembrance,
Visit your loved ones grave, the place where their ashes were scattered or somewhere that mattered to you both,
Read Ashleigh’s thoughts on what she wished she’d of known about grief at 18, here,
Practice self-care - take time to do something for you. Grief is overwhelming and tiring. Take time to look after yourself and recharge,
Leave a loving tribute alongside a photo of your loved one on Cruse Bereavement Supports’ dedication page, here,
Switch off from social media. Sometimes, social media isn’t helpful on days special days. However, it can help you to feel less alone. You’ll know what is best for you, but don’t hesitate to disconnect if needed,
Make arrangements to fill your day. Or, make no arrangements at all (do what feels right for you).
At the end of the day, there is no denying how difficult a special occasion like Mother’s Day is without your Mum/motherly figure or the one who made you a mum, by your side. We hope that reading this post will help you feel less alone and that it will give you ways to help you cope. We really hope you feel your special ones love all around you more than ever today.
They are more of you than you know and with you forever in your heart.
This Mother’s Day, we stand with those who:
never met their Mum,
no longer have a relationship with their Mum,
have a strained relationship with their Mum
long to be a Mum or are missing their baby,
are missing their motherly figure,
whose Mum has died.
It hurts, it’s grief and it’s valid.
Grief can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially on special days.
Please know that you are never alone.
For bereavement support, please call the free Cruse helpline on: 0808 808 1677, Helpline opening hours:
Monday-Friday:9.30am-3pm
or email us any time at: hopeagain@cruse.org.uk,
For non-bereavement support, please contact organisations such as:
