Empty Nests Support Group
Empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of depression and loneliness that parents/other guardian relatives feel when one or more of their children leave home. Empty nest syndrome has become more prevalent in modern times, as the extended family is becoming less common than in past generations, and the elderly are left living by themselves.
Hello, I am new here...
With my Depression, everyday is a struggle for me. From the moment I wake up, throughout the whole day and night.
I feel like my life is going downhill, and not much to look forward to in the future when ill-health and loneliness will take hold.
I am a single mom with 2 kids, son is 23 and daughter 21 years old. It has always been the three of us, and we are close with each other. I know that sooner or later, I will be an Empty Nester, and when that time comes, I will be devastated and miserable.
I can't do much about all of these, and am sad and lonely all the time. I feel I have lost all interest in things that I used to enjoy.
Can I get some advice from anyone, as to how I can be happy and motivated again?
August 2019 when my only child went to college. On the day he left, I was so sad and I felt that I had no purpose. I thought I would be OK because his university is just one hour drive from our house. I was so lonely that I could not even describe how lonely I was. There were people who prayed with me. Aside from my life group, I also have friends from my church who were there for me. While my son was in the university, I studied short-term courses and discovered things that would help me grow in my career.
It was a tough journey for me because he is my only child and I am a stay at home Mom. But God is good, He helped me to overcome that empty nest syndrome. I had peace after I prayed knowing that God protects him while he’s staying in the dorm and while he’s going out with friends.
I’m so sorry that you are going through this. I understand the loneliness. I want to encourage you to surround yourself with people who will pray and encourage you. Don’t go through this alone. Stay in the forum. I found comfort when I posted in one of the online parents groups. I realized that I was not alone. It was a sad journey but God comforted me. You will also overcome the empty nest syndrome by God’s grace. God’s peace and comfort be upon you. Keep us posted.
I will do my best to endure and hopefully can come out of it ok.
Most of the time, I feel God has abandoned me, or it is His intension to let me suffer.
Thanks again for your kind words.
Even with my son (graduated from college and working) living at
home, I still miss the mother role. It's a tough transition to make
from having your focus on your children to seeing them grow and change and eventually move out. Have you talked to your kids? I know that this might seem like a silly question, but I'm wondering if they are aware of how you are feeling. They, of course, have a right to their own lives, but I'm guessing that you're a huge part of theirs too.
Things will continue to change but hopefully these changes will include more happy times with your kids. For me, keeping busy is important. It's easy to feel abandoned by God when you're in such pain. I hope that you are able to talk to your kids, if you feel this would help and that you keep reaching out.
Anyone know how long this sadness will last? I don't want to be swept up never to return to my ol' self
You can also find diagnostics online, to help determine whether you are depressed. If so your primary care physician may be able to start you off on antidepressants. Sometimes they are easier to get a hold of quickly than a new therapist.
My two cents, I’m case it’s helpful...