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.

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I feel so empty

Squirtlmom1
Squirtlmom1

My son is still home for 2 more weeks, but I feel so empty already.  I rationally know that my son is heading off for his next chapter and needs to move forward and I am thrilled for him.  I just have no life outside of raising him and being "mom".  I can barely function and work remotely so I am always alone during the day when the house is silent. I was hoping to find some meet up type groups to help get me out, but so far, no luck.  Anyone in the Portland, OR area feeling the same way?

meganh822
meganh822
I'm not near Portland, but I feel your pain. My son left last Sunday. It helped a lot to get busy and keep my mind occupied.
LeeElizabeth
LeeElizabeth
My daughter is moving in less than a week and I am already missing her. I am also in Oregon.
Angbo18
Angbo18
I can totally relate. I am new to this group and hope that reaching out to others that understand will help me. I am a single mom and my son just moved out a week ago. I’m totally lost. I cried so bad the day he left. I did manage to not breakdown in front of him. It’s like where do I go from here? He’s my only child and everything I’ve done and worked for the last 18 years was for him. My life. I don’t know how to pick myself up and go on.
rlh
rlh
My older son is a sophomore in college and my younger son is a senior in high school. I am so sad thinking of my upcoming empty nest. I hate when people say, "Oh, you're almost an empty nester!" as though it's wonderful.
kay44
kay44
I think the advice from meganh822 is good and wish I could just stay busier. It helps to have a place to express the sadness b/c my friends who are empty nesters seem less sad and more occupied/busy than I am. My older son leaves tomorrow for his sophomore year of college (was only home for a few weeks this summer; I was very close to him growing up and letting go is the hardest thing I have done), my oldest (daughter) just left for grad school (did not have a wonderful undergrad experience but seems to be finally breaking away more, which is good--but I miss her terribly), and my youngest is still in high school (applying to colleges soon, and I just dread when he leaves). I, too, hate when people talk about being an empty nester as though it's wonderful. I should be an expert on how to manage the empty nest, but it seems this long grieving process. I recommend getting out and doing things, but also acknowledging the sadness here (or to close friends/family who understand). We are all going through the same feelings. I also have a job that doesn't involve much human interaction and that makes this stage very hard.