Psychotherapy and Counselling for Women In-Person and Online in Singapore with Cheryl Kennedy MacDonald

Feeling like your mum is jealous of you can be confusing and painful. This kind of dynamic often has deep roots and can affect you in many ways. As a female psychotherapist who specialises in working with women, I see how these feelings impact my clients and their therapy. Let’s explore why this happens, its effects, and how you can build healthy boundaries.

Why Does This Happen?

Jealousy from a mother might come from various sources. It could be related to:

  1. Unresolved Personal Issues: Your mum may have unresolved feelings or insecurities about her own life choices or achievements.
  2. Generational Expectations: Sometimes, mothers have certain expectations for their daughters and feel threatened when those expectations aren’t met.
  3. Comparison: If your mum compares herself to you or feels that your life is better, jealousy can arise.

How This Affects Daughters

When a mother is jealous, it can impact you in several ways:

  1. Low Self-Esteem: You might start to doubt your own worth or achievements, feeling unworthy of your successes.
  2. Conflicted Relationships: Jealousy can lead to conflict and emotional distance, making your relationship with your mum strained.
  3. Emotional Burden: Feeling like you have to manage your mother’s emotions can be exhausting and lead to stress and anxiety.
  4. Difficulty Setting Boundaries: You might struggle with setting healthy boundaries because of the emotional complexity in your relationship.

How to Build Healthy Boundaries

Building boundaries is essential to maintaining your well-being. Here’s how to start:

  1. Recognise Your Feelings: Acknowledge how your mother’s jealousy affects you. Understanding your feelings is the first step in addressing them.
  2. Communicate Openly: Have honest conversations with your mother about how her behaviour impacts you. Use “I” statements to express your feelings without placing blame.
  3. Set Clear Limits: Define what behaviours you’re willing to tolerate and communicate these boundaries clearly to your mother.
  4. Practice Self-Care: Focus on activities that nurture your self-esteem and mental health. Surround yourself with supportive people who respect your boundaries.
  5. Seek Professional Help: If setting boundaries is challenging or if the emotional impact is overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist. Professional guidance can help you navigate these complex feelings and improve your relationship with your mother.

Why Therapy Can Help

Therapy can be incredibly beneficial in managing these emotions and building healthier relationships. As a female psychotherapist, I can offer you tailored support to address these issues. Therapy provides a safe space to explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and strengthen your sense of self.

If you’re struggling with feelings of jealousy from a loved one and need support, visit my website. To schedule a session or inquire about how therapy can help, please contact me. Let’s work together to help you build healthier boundaries and improve your emotional well-being.

CHERYL macdonald