Mom's Struggling with the Empty Nest

Empty Nesting is often described as grief and loneliness caused when someone moves out of your home. This can happen when a child leaves their parent’s house or other life changes. The Empty nest syndrome is not a mental health disorder. You cannot receive a clinical diagnosis for this conditions but that doesn't mean it isn't real. Some client's often find themselves slipping into a depression that they cannot seem to pull themselves out of during this phase of life. But, left untreated can bring on additional depression which can be clinical in nature. But, understanding this is the syndrome you are experiencing, you can begin to heal. The first part of healing is recognizing that what you are experiencing is real. Then build up your social circle, pick up new hobbies, build connections, volunteer for your local shelter or animal rescue and surround yourself with like minded people. Work on rekindling your marriage because often time has gone by and the trials of life kept you so busy that you neglected to keep the spark going. So often mom's experience this syndrome as so much personal identity was poured into the raising of your children. You have worked your whole life to raise your children the best you could do but you didn't prepare yourself for the incredible loss when they are finally flying the nest. You are not alone. Baby Boomers are experiencing this right now with their children leaving the nest. If you have idealized your connection with your adult child and they do not have the same idea it can deepen your despair, experience a new loneliness and even rejection. If you find yourself feeling depressed, unable to find motivation, finding more days than not being sad or isolated, accepting being attacked by your adult child verbally or otherwise, then seek professional help through therapy or counseling to learn to set boundaries. In addition, if you have become additionally depressed due to empty nest syndrome and the changes in your adult child's behaviors towards you, it might be a good time to seek therapy and talk to your physician about potential medication needs for depression. Do not be ashamed to reach out and ask for help. You are not alone.