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.
I'm a single father of 2. I have had custody of both my kids since my divorce 7 years ago. My daughter is a senior in college 2 hours away. My son is a senior in high school and plans on going to college 2 1/2 hours away. Even though my son is not leaving until August 2022 I cry everyday just thinking how I'm going to be loss when he leaves. I feel so much regret because thinking back there was so many times I could have spent time with him but didn't. He says it is ok and he isn't upset but I am still upset about it. I know I can't keep looking in the past but now that he is a senior he is doing a lot of things with his friends. So I regret that lost time. I don't know how to cope.
What we tell ourselves creates the outcome. Of course, any change can bring a little fear, a lot of anxiety, etc. This is the time we parents have to begin our lives new, we need to create good. If you still feel badly or depressed over the divorce, that loss may have a hold on your mind so you see this as a huge loss rather than a new adventure for both you and the sons.
And lastly, I am wondering if you have depression and this feeling of overwhelming loss is part of the depression. The best thing for ourselves is taking care of our mental health and our physical health. Please let us know how you are doing as time goes by.