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.
Son moved out two weeks ago today. I am barely holding it together. Going in his room breaks my heart. I saw him yesterday and that made the missing him start all over again. No one understands. Oldest son isn't answering messages. Middle son who I was clinging to says I am expecting too much and stressing him out. Younest gf came with him yesterday and asked if I was all adjusted now. I looked at her and said its been two weeks try maybe in a year. She looked at me like I was crazy. But then I guess I am. My children were my life. I have nothing left without them and no reason to go on.
Foolishly, I look at old photos of happy times when they were little, and their world was new with me in it. The absence of days like those throw me into depression.
There is more life left in us. But let's be honest, it is unlikely that we will have such happy and meaningful days as we had when our children were young. We were needed, wanted, and made joy. It is OK to be sad that those days are gone. Be happy that you had them.