How To Process Emotions as a Mother

In honor of World Mental Health Day, As a mom, I often feel the pressure to fix everything for my kids. As much as we can listen, try to understand, and be there for them, it’s important for us to have our own space to talk about our feelings, too. Having my own therapist has really helped me process things better, so I don’t unintentionally project my worries onto my kids. Let’s remind each other that it’s okay to prioritize our own mental health while we support our children.

Concealer: @NatashaDenona Hy-Glam Concealer No. 3

[rebz]

I'm a firm believer in therapy. Life can be difficult. Some challenges can be hard to navigate alone or with a friend and you need someone who is honest and knowledgeable about how to move forward with strength. Ivy is open with you because she trusts you and knows you want her to succeed in life.

[hummingbirdlife]

I'm out to lunch with my college age son today. He dropped feelings on me out of no were. And then apologized for feelings. I told him I am glad you told me, "Don't ever apologize for feelings. Not everyone in life can afford therapy 😪 but everyone deserves to be validated.

[elainebeck]

I love what you are saying about not creating a co-dependent relationship with your daughter! Kids should never feel responsible for their parents well- being. It’s a burden that is unhealthy! Thank you! So wise.

[nicolettagilbert]

I love your approach!
I wish all mothers were as responsible with their own and their children's feelings!
I try to deal with mine responsibly and think therapy is a very good thing. Mental health should be more important in our society and there should be more timely and affordable therapy places available.

[Arc_Firstlight]

Thank you for being so open and mindful about your own mental health, and Ivy's.

[Lapalomaaah]

I was just realizing growing up, that I was like my mom’s therapist. And I don’t blame my mom she felt alone, I don’t know if she believes in therapy because she’s religious. Yet, I just realize I don’t want to put my burdens onto my future kids. I just felt like subconsciously I was a burden for my parents. I know my future kiddos will have struggles of their own but I pray that they feel supported and safe enough to know they can confide in me.

[lisamckay]

Therapy is like a great hardware store. Sometimes you just need the right tool to do the job. ❤

[jadearmstrong]

Love your attitude! Ivy is blessed to have you in her corner❤

[Mz_Taken]

being open and honest with no hesitation helps a lot to both of us mother & daughter, patience and calmness is what they needed from us Mothers 💕

[MaryLMua]

I think you and Ivy are so lucky to have that deep understanding and love ❤️

[monicapatton]

There are a lot of interesting things to process when your child transitions. There were for me and counseling was so helpful in even helping me to articulate words in a way that were ok for both of us. It was a lot and it was worth it to deepen that connection & help us both navigate ❤

[midlifemom]

I hear you my dear! My son started college this fall on East Coast (Im in the West) . He struggled with serious mental health for past 6 years. Thankfully his resilience brought him to a place where he can start fresh and has a new outlook on life. I still worried every single day but try my best to be positive for my baby. Thank u Carla 💕

[EnfysDebs]

As someone who's suffered many mental health challenges in life so far, I think it's brilliant that you are not only self aware enough to realise Ivy would benefit from therapy, but that you having an outlet for your own emotions will help her on her journey too. However strong your network, therapy can really help in creating a safe judgement free place to work through your own shit. If, like me, you don't have a network around you then it's even more vital. As the quote says, it's ok not to be ok - just don't do it alone ❤

[gaelle]

My tip in this for your own private therapy, not if family therapy, see someone else to keep the distinctions clear. And talk about how to keep the distictions clear so that Ivy ( or someone else) feels it is their therapist and that they can trust them. That needs to have precedence.

[ThestuffthatSaralikes]

If just half the Moms in the world had your heart and soul I do believe the world would be a much more positive and understanding place…❤ Ivy is a lucky chick.😊

[sassysenior]

YOU HAVE TO WRITE A BOOK! I AM SO IMPRESSED ABOUT HOW YOU ARE HANDLING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. I DID, TOO

[donnaalpert]

Why should kids carry their parents’ burdens….they have enough angst of their own to deal with. Healthy mom! Great advice, Carla.

[astriddeslandes]

Dumping "out" is something I really believe in.

[trudiatherton]

Thankyou for being so honest, candid, I think your amazing.

[flora]

Thank you for sharing Carla. You and Ivy have been very generous with your story and feelings. I think the Pandemic set a lot of us and our mental health back. This feels like a time of great upheaval and it’s awesome that your openness and encouragement for therapy will hopefully alleviate some of the guilt or shame that sometimes accompanies our struggles… Bravo, well done! 🎉