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.
well I guess I shouldn’t be too new because I’ve raised 3 amazing kids. Just having the hardest time letting the third one go. He joined the army and left for basic a week ago. He has been able to call up until this morning when it will all start. 9 weeks and 4 days which seems longer than I imagined. I just can’t fathom why I’m having a hard time with the last one. Yes I’m single but when my 27 year old daughter went to college I cried all the way home and was upset about a week and kept moving. My middle son joined the active army went to basic and then AIT and then spent a year in Korea. Yeah that just about broke me taking him away for that long. But I muddled through. Now it’s my baby and after a week and a holiday apart I just can’t seem too get out of this funk. It doesn’t help my daughter is thousands of miles away. She is army reserve. My oldest son is in Afghanistan. So it’s just me my room mate and 3 dogs. I’m sorry if I’ve allowed this post to get out of hand. I’m just not quite sure what to do. I’m working. I’m a online student and I take classes at the college. You think that would be enough to keep me busy. But I’m having a hard time consentrating and probably falling behind. Someone out there. Anyone know why this is happening!!!
I wish I had an answer for not only you but, also myself. My youngest daughter just turned 18 a few months ago and is starting College in the Fall. She informed me about two months ago that she wants to get her own place. I am single also, and although I have three sons (the youngest being 30) it has been just me and her for the last 12 years!
So I definitely understand how your feeling!
She has been my whole life. I am beside myself. Although I do work and have social outings with friends, I cry at the the thought of her moving away from me. I have tried everything to talk myself out of this sadness, but, I think it's the feeling of not being needed anymore that's hurting the most. She hasn't even moved yet and I'm falling apart. She has no idea i feel this way and I don't want to put a damper on any of her plans or make her feel bad in any way so, I have to be strong around her. I am in a constant state of grief. I wake up in the middle of the night with such horrible anxiety about this and I have a hard time going back to sleep. I am also having panic attacks. I don't want to take any medication, I really want to over come it by myself.
I wish I had the answer, I wish I had the strength to over come this, or if I could just start thinking more positive. I know I should be grateful for all my children and my health and everything else I have going for me, if only I could focus on that but, I keep going back to that lonely, horribly empty hurting place.
I wish I could help you. If I figure something out I'll let you know! Take Care! Kari
I’m sorry too for your grief. I remember when my daughter went off too college I was beside myself too. But I still had the two boys at home then. My x husband made fun off me all the way home because I was upset. Hence why is is now the x. Lol. Not that just that pushed our relationship that far but that and then some. Lol. I too just wish I could get out of this funk. My oldest son did call me from Afghanistan this morning and it was nice to face time. He has always been my angel he was little. My daughter and her boyfriend have also been very helpful and keeping my mind off things. I will keep you updated if I hear of anything that works. My prayers are with you.
Dena
My anxiety about this is overwhelming, I am waking up at 5:00 am with horrible anxiety. I know in my heart everything will work out, I just see all the hurt I'm going to have to deal with from now until then and I'm scared. I'm scared of being alone, I'm scared of not having my daughter to look after and protect. It seems 18 years just flew by! I'm sad for you and everyone else dealing with this pain but it also, It helps to know others are going through the same and I'm not alone in this. Thank you for your kindness.
I understand. It is rough to let go. When my daughter went off to college I cried all the way from Tampa to home. All I can say is wait for the calls. I know when they move out they think they know it all but my ran into problems. So she will call needing help to figure things out. I promise it will happen.