Thank you for reaching out and sharing. It is hard to see our children grow up. Each stage has it challenges but it also brings it joy. Both my children are grown and out of the house. They went out of the house at the ages 14 and 15 because they had to go to boarding school due to the fact that we were living oversees. When that happened I felt like, what is my purpose if I don't have my children at home. I was a SAHM and worked part-time until they went off to school. Then I had to find what my passions are outside of my children. Yes, they still are very important to me and I talk to them pretty regularly, but I have learned to find what I like to do. One thing that happens as moms, we tend to lose who we are, what we like and we forget that "me time" is good. I still miss my children very much, but i know I have done a good job raising them and now they are becoming their own person.

I also have become involved in ladies groups, work part-time, volunteer some, go to bible studies, and following my passion of writing a blog. So instead of looking at how sad I was about my children growing up and no longer at home, I have focused on the things that I enjoy doing and getting to become more aware about me and what I like to do. I will be praying for you. Hugs and God Bless

Hi I understand what you're going through 100%. My oldest is almost 17 and doesn't need me much anymore. My youngest will be 14 soon. My husband and I have been married 18 years and together 20. He works a lot and I don't work due to health issues. So I also have no friends. I can see my family unit changing and I hate it. I've been crying non stop for weeks now because of it. I hate change and I'm terrible with separation anxiety. Add me and we can talk whenever you want about these feelings.

Thank you both so much for responding!! I soooooo appreciate it.... To the message above we can get through this! It’s so awful in the meantime. I have t cried in 2 days so I think the “coming to terms” in setting in. It almost sounds like we’re twins!!!!! I HATE change.... hate hate hate it.

How are you doing? I have been praying for you. Hugs

Sorry to hear that you and so many are feeling this... on the one hand it's nice to know that there are so many of us and despite our loneliness that comes with this there is strength in numbers.

I've gradually approached the empty nest stage of life as a single parent and have dreaded it, but my last child to head out into the world moves out next week so I am about to truly feel the full experience now.

As one that's just now going full empty nest I can't say what the future holds but in the here and now, know that you are not alone and you will find ways to fill your life with more "you".

I cant offer you a hug and tell you you are not alone... i feel and know your pain... we just kee moving forward is all we can do... im sad
For you as i know this sadness myself... sending love

So sorry for your pain, I feel you. Know you have the right to feel the way you feel. Don't try to over-think it or feel ashamed for feeling that way, also don't try to make believe you aren't feeling what you feel. I went through so many emotions when becoming an empty nester time drew near. Right before my son graduated in 2014 I had a nervous breakdown and him moving on I thought without me was one of the main reasons. He however has moved on but not without me, it's just we have a different relationship now. Try and find other friends, groups, and activities to help lessen the blow. Also, get comfortable with being with and loving yourself, which not to say that's your problem but it was mines. Long as I could try and pour all my love into my son I didn't have to focus so much on loving me and the issues I had with myself. I was a teen mom however and a single mother also. You are not though so maybe rekindle your love affair with your husband. Prayer also helps some and crying helps too. Maybe find a professional to talk to if need be. Also, keep in mind they may end up back at home for one reason or another sooner or later, mines has well on a part-time basis. {it's a long story} Now to be honest sometimes I'm having an issue with that because I feel like I'm being invaded upon and just as I was learning how to be alone. Just breathe you will figure this out and do what works for you.

I understand what you are going through. I was depressed for 4 months when my oldest son went to college and it hit like a ton of bricks even though I had 2 more at home. Now 8 years later it is and isn't easier. My oldest (26 now) moved back home in September, for an engineering job nearby, to save money. He is now moving to Michigan (3 1/2 hrs away) for a much better job and my daughter, 24 is in grad school in Boston and youngest son, 21 at Ohio State. So I will be an empty nester for the 2nd time and it doesn't get any easier. My boyfriend and I used to spend a lot of time together until his 81 year old mother got kicked out of her sisters house and now she lives with him. Fast forward, I only see him about 12 hours a week because he has his hands full with her. So I have really been feeling down and have hobbies like working outside on my property, thrifting and antiques, travel and a lot of friends and 2 dogs. Problem is when I come home I am always reminded of what used to be. When I am busy things are ok but when I am bored I get depressed. I wonder if I will ever feel happy again like when my children lived at home. I take it one day at a time and always welcome their visits and phone calls. I have a great relationship with them and never let them know how I feel because I wouldn't want to push them away. As far as they are concerned I am fine with them being away and maybe that is why they come home a lot and call often. I hope everyone who is going through this can find their own happiness and have a lot of empathy for what you are going through.

I just read your post. I am a single mom who raised 3 children. As of last year they have all moved out. They live close by but the house is empty. I’ve had so much anxiety and depression over this. It is so very difficult. How are you managing?