Mother’s Day is often painted as a day of pure joy — brunches, flowers, family gatherings, and smiling photos. And for many, it is exactly that: a beautiful moment to pause, appreciate, and celebrate the mothers and mother-figures in their lives.

But for others, Mother’s Day brings a swirl of complicated emotions.

At VOX Mental Health, we want to honour the whole story. The joy and the pain. The gratitude and the grief. Because emotional honesty is what allows people to feel truly seen.

The Joy of Motherhood

Let’s begin by celebrating those for whom Mother’s Day is a genuine joy:

• The mothers feeling deep connection with their children.
• The adult children cherishing time with their moms.
• The families honouring the everyday, often unseen, emotional labour of mothering.

Motherhood can be filled with rich, joyful moments:

• The pride in a child’s milestones.
• The simple joys of care routines.
• The profound bonds built over time.

If today is filled with laughter, gratitude, and love — we are celebrating with you. Your joy deserves to be held with care and without apology.

For Those Who Are Grieving

For many, Mother’s Day is a reminder of loss.

• The loss of a mother.
• The loss of a child.
• The loss of the dream of motherhood.

Grief can feel louder on a day when the world expects celebration.
To those holding that ache today: we see you. Your grief is a reflection of your love, and you do not have to carry it alone.

For Those Navigating Complex Relationships

Not every mother-child relationship is nurturing, safe, or straightforward.

For those who have:

• Strained or painful relationships with their mother.
• Chosen distance for their own wellbeing.
• Grown up without a mother figure who could meet their needs.

Today might feel fraught.
Choosing to protect your peace is not a failure. It's a brave and compassionate act.

Honouring Every Kind of Motherhood

Motherhood doesn’t always follow the traditional narrative.

We honour:

• Non-birthing parents.
• Stepmoms, adoptive and foster parents.
• Grandparents, aunties, and chosen family who step into mothering roles.
• Solo parents holding it all together.
• Those mothering in ways that are unseen or unacknowledged.

If you’re giving the care, nurturing, and emotional labour of mothering — even if your title doesn’t reflect it — you deserve recognition today.

To Those Feeling “Not Enough”

Motherhood is often tangled up with impossible expectations.
Social media highlight reels, cultural narratives, and internalized pressures can make anyone feel like they’re falling short.

If you are wondering if you’re doing “enough,” we want you to know:

• There is no perfect mother.
• Messy moments are part of parenting.
• Repair matters more than perfection.

Showing up with care and intention — even imperfectly — is more than enough.

For Those Longing for Motherhood

Infertility, pregnancy loss, and unfulfilled hopes can make Mother’s Day feel particularly isolating.
To those holding this quiet grief: we are with you.
Your story matters. Your longing is valid.

Holding Space for Complexity

Mother’s Day is not one universal experience.
It can hold both/and:

• Joy and sorrow.
• Gratitude and grief.
• Celebration and complexity.

At VOX Mental Health, we believe in meeting people where they are.
Today, that means acknowledging the full, messy, human experience of Mother’s Day — in all its forms.

To everyone celebrating, grieving, or navigating complex feelings —
You are seen. You are valid. You belong here.

If You’re Struggling Today

Mother’s Day can bring up deep emotions. If today feels heavy, please reach out.
Our team at VOX Mental Health offers compassionate, evidence-based support for navigating grief, family dynamics, identity, and emotional wellness.

You don’t have to carry it alone.