What If Mother's Day and Father's Day Don't Feel Like Celebrations?

Some days are supposed to feel celebratory. And for a lot of people, they just don't. Mother's Day and Father's Day are everywhere — cards, posts, brunch reservations, the word "happy" built right into the name. But for many people, these holidays don't bring gratitude or warmth. They bring grief, complicated memories, and a weight that's hard to explain to people who've never felt it. In this episode, Dr. Cecelia Baldwin breaks down what's really happening when Mother's Day and Father's Day hurt: → The difference between grief from death and grief from estrangement — and why they move through the mind and body so differently → What "ambiguous loss" actually means, and why it keeps the nervous system stuck in loops of hope, disappointment, and self-doubt → Why some people spend years trying to fix a relationship from their side — overextending, explaining, adjusting, forgiving — and why effort alone can't create capacity in someone else → The invisible pressure to perform gratitude publicly when the holiday doesn't match your reality → Seven practical coping strategies from a family systems lens — including how to stop arguing with reality, how to grieve the unmet need directly, and what "closure" actually looks like when it's not coming from the other person → Why healing from estrangement isn't about reconciliation — it's about returning to yourself If these holidays feel heavy, if you've spent years trying to earn a relationship that never felt safe, or if you're carrying grief for a parent who is still alive — this one's for you. Disclaimer: The content shared on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute psychotherapy, counseling, or any form of professional mental health treatment. Viewing, commenting on, or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. The information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for personalized advice and support. Please note that I am unable to respond to direct messages or comments regarding clinical concerns, personal mental health questions, or requests for therapeutic advice. Social media is not a secure or appropriate platform for clinical communication, and any such messages received will not be answered. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.