Mother's Day: Exploring the Intersection of Motherhood, Loss, and Mental Health

"Mother's Day invites us to celebrate mothers' profound influence while acknowledging

our diverse experiences" 

 Faith Agugu

As Mother's Day approaches, I'm reminded of a recent appointment with a client who lost her mother at the tender age of 16. My sister died at the age of 41, leaving a 19-year-old daughter.

Our conversation highlighted the enduring impact of growing up without a mother, a reality many women face due to various circumstances. For some, the choice to maintain distance from their mothers is a necessary one, while others experience the inevitable loss that comes with time. As a mental health professional, I've seen firsthand the mental health implications of these experiences, as well as the challenges faced by women navigating the complexities of motherhood.

Losing a mother at any stage of life can have profound and lasting effects on one's mental health. For those who experience this loss early on, the absence of maternal guidance and support during formative years can shape their relationships, self-perception, and emotional well-being. In contrast, losing a mother later in life may lead to feelings of grief, loneliness, and a sense of disconnection from the past. Despite the natural course of life, the impact of such a loss should never be underestimated.

On the other hand, motherhood itself presents its mental health challenges. For many women, adjusting to the demands of parenthood can trigger feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. As children grow and leave the nest, mothers may grapple with a sense of loss or uncertainty about their identity and purpose.

This Mother's Day, let us remember the origins of the holiday, which Anna Jarvis created as a tribute to her late mother. Jarvis believed that a day dedicated to honouring mothers would be a powerful reminder of their profound influence on our lives. In her words, "Mother's Day is a day of sentiment, not a day of business, or bargain hunting. It is a day of remembering what our mother did for us."

As we celebrate and reflect on the significance of motherhood, let's also acknowledge the complexities and challenges women face as mothers and individuals. By fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and support, we can empower women to navigate the joys and sorrows of their motherhood journeys and the experiences that shape their lives beyond the realm of parenting.

In the spirit of Anna Jarvis, let's use this Mother's Day as an opportunity to honour and appreciate the mothers in our lives and the countless women who have nurtured, inspired, and cared for us along the way.