Empty Nest Syndrome

Empty nest syndrome refers to feelings of grief and sadness experienced by parents (mostly Mothers) when children leave home. Sometimes it occurs when the first child leaves but most often when it is the last.

It is normal to feel sadness or loss when children leave home to attend college or for any one of numerous reasons to leave home. If depression persists, it might be time to consider professional help.

Periods of teariness or spending a lot of time in the absent child’s bedroom to feel closer to him or her are normal and expected.

However, if one begins to experience more severe symptoms, such as excessive crying, feeling that your life is no longer useful or intense sadness that may preclude one from going to work or out with friends, then they should consider getting professional aid.

Turn to friends for support. Many may be in your situation, and those with older children can give you the benefit of their experience. If the child is indeed going to college, check to see if the college has a parent’s web site.

Look around for something to help fill your day – are there groups where you can volunteer to assist? Is there a hobby you have wanted to pursue? Now would be an excellent time to get going with that hobby. Reinvent yourself – begin anew.

Just be thankful for this new time in your life. Don’t ever forget that these children all too often return home. They will also be visiting at holidays so don’t be too quick to change their bedroom into something else.