I think it feels especially hard to sort through when you are a single parent with empty nest syndrome. Congrats on raising a good young man. I raised my son alone, he’s my only, he’s in college but visits occasionally. I think it takes time to create a new focus or “find yourself” after spending 18 years focusing on your child. I’m taking it day by day, I have explored new hobbies, some I stick with, others not fit me, and joined Meetup groups for activities to participate in in my city, there are different topics, travel, art, health, etc. Be kind and patient with yourself, increase self-care and allow yourself to reminisce about the positive memories you created with your son.

Hi- I’m so sorry to hear that you are going through a rough time. While reading your post, it reminds me of my only child when we dropped him off at his dormitory. I was so sad that I could not even describe how sad I was. I could not show him my true feelings because I didn’t want him to worry about me.

I understand it’s tough because I’ve been there. I overcame my empty nest syndrome by the help of prayers and my life group. They prayed and cried with me when I was going through the saddest moment of my life.

It’s been 2 years since my son started college and I can say that I’m well by the grace of God. I want to encourage you to please stay strong. Acknowledge how you feel. Cry when you are sad. Also, it’s very important that you are surrounded by people who want you to be happy. Try to join a life group, you can connect with your local church. It’s very helpful to have someone who will walk with you on your journey.

Remember, you are not alone, we are here for you. Feel free to post anytime. I pray that you will overcome this sadness and you will be happy again. Please keep us posted. God bless you with His peace and strength.

Thank you ladies so much for your kind words and great advice. It's therapeutic just to be able to talk about this with people who understand what you're going through. It's just crazy how long this sadness is lasting. I knew I would miss him, but I had no idea that the depression would last this long. I have a career where I work a lot of hours so I am busy on most days, but when I come home from work, it's just emptiness. And with the COVID situation, it's hard to get out and do activities with other people, which is something I normally do to cope with depression. Like a lot of people right now, I'm in too much isolation. But this empty nest situation is it's own separate source of sadness, it's like there's a big hole in my life. Memories of him are everywhere and there are times I just cry and cry. Plus, because he is in the military, I worry about his safety, as he is expected to deploy to a combat zone very soon.

In any event, thank you for sharing your stories and coping mechanisms and for the kind words and support. Kimberlyjs36, I will work on being kind to myself and increasing self care, which is something my sister advises, too. I wish you well with coping with missing your son, as well. Sounds like you're on a really healthy path. eli_mom, you give me such great hope that this sadness won't be forever, that there will come a point that I will overcome this. I am so happy for you that you have found the support you needed to overcome your empty nest syndrome. Thank you for sharing your stories.

I to raised my only son/child by myself and we were very close. My life revolved around him. He has turned out to be a wonderful son, he left the day after graduation to live 2 states away at his father's for the summer and then left for the college at PENN. I live in Oregon. I literally had sort of a nervous breakdown when he left. I was lost and sad the first year and relocated back to my hometown in a different state to be near my parent's. It has helped and I started my own business but I still am haunted by a loneliness and sadness that I already lived the best part of my life since I will never be a hands on mother again. It's the deepest sadness. I also had to put my 14 year old dog down who was my soulmate. I am on Wellbruiton and that helps. The pandemic has made my loneliness more extremes and I even live with my boyfriend. Nothing can take the place of your children. I'm hoping and praying that once things open up in a few months that I won't feel so alone and miss my son. It's hard to move forward when you can't go out to dinner, a gym, yoga, coffee shop, any place really.