Nina, what did you do before you had children? You will always be mom and if your children go off to school, I am sure they will still be visiting often. Maybe they will get married and have children.

You can join social groups like church or community groups. Take some classes and learn new hobbies; volunteer-libraries, hospital, community services; Join some clubs; or maybe if you have a place that allows pets-adopt a pet to keep you company. There are lots of things you can do.

Do you have a therapist? You can talk about your feelings. They can help and also recommend activities and classes that might help you.

I hope you find serenity and peace.

Ninawh - Just want to let you know I understand the sadness of becoming an empty nester, not that I am one at the moment. In my case, I don't think I will be able to handle being alone after having my husband and daughter with me, just the three of us, all these years. Maybe and hopefully one of your kids will be able to let you stay with them if you are still alone by the time they leave. I know of some women who lived with their moms but they were single. I am sure other members have some good advice.

Thank you, Secouya and LavenderC, for your advice. When I feel better, I will definitely seek help, and join some groups or clubs.

Have a good day.

You're welcome. You have a good day as well.

Get and stay busy. I am 74, alone .. no children and a Viet Nam war veteran. Been alone for decades. I am simply too busy to be depressed.

Thank you, WanderingVet.

Wow... please give me some tips as to how I can busy myself. I just need to keep my depression at bay, and find my motivation back.

Thanks again.

I’m really sorry to hear that ur suffering with this. If you’d like a friend to talk about your feelings I am here and can find other friends here too that would care and want to be your friend. Friendship can help. Maybe u can read books that you would enjoy. Maybe u could find a self help book or a spiritual book to read to help u or watch a church show on tv. They can be helpful or find some shows you like. Find somethings you want to work on with yourself. Maybe u want to work on your weight, learn how to knit or sew or crochet or draw. Do some exercising like walking,stretching, yoga. Stay in touch with your kids and cheer them on with their school.

Hi gratefulgrandma123,
Thank you for your kind words.

I will do my best to get through this. Thank you for being a good friend.

Coming here was a huge forward step! Congratulations! I have one tip that I use in my daily combat. I do at least one thing a day and no matter how small that one thing was, I tell myself it is OKAY, it is GOOD, and it is FORWARD MOVEMENT.

I even make a list of things of things I want myself to do, even little things (do one load of laundry, shave my legs) I know I need to do - not for anyone else to see but me - and I make myself feel PROUD to cross one thing off that list. Today, I should have been doing a bunch of things, was even supposed to go somewhere for a training, but I just could NOT. I didn't sleep hardly at all last night for the stress of getting ready and going, and then it was just one of those non-functional, hard days today. But, while I was sitting around, I did research a home-made feed mix for my chickens and write it down, and I sorted one shelf on my bookcase. I crossed them off my list, and I tell myself out loud that even though it wasn't the day I wanted, it was a "productive day" and that is enough. It's all about moving forward.
Keep pushing. Make some goals and even if you can't do the big things, do the little things that will lead to them.
As a side-note, don't worry. Your kids will NEVER stop needing you, whether they are are "in your nest" or not. You can still stay close. My daughter is 32 and has her own family, but she still is the reason I am, and we share daily. Plus, GRANDMAS .......... well, there isn't ANYTHING more fun that doing for your grandkiddos.

Thank you, Wuwei, for your support.

I know the feeling, I am here to chat if you wanna.

Hi richierch, Thank you for your support. Let's keep in touch.

i'm 56, no kids, but i can relate a lot to what you are saying. even when your kids do leave you can still relate to them you know? either by email, mail, texts, and possibly travelling to wherever they go... might bring new experiences and opportunities to you when they branch out.
also, it's possible you could adjust after a period of time to being on your own, might give you time to explore some of your own things, etc. i'm going to try to add you as a friend on here. i have a lot of the same feeling as you about dreading the future and lonelness, etc. HUGS. W

Thank you, Anna1212, for your support.

I am still dreading everyday, but what can I do.

Thanks for your comments, as I do feel less alone just by talking about it with someone.

Please do add me to your friend list. It'd be great to be able to keep in touch.

Regards.