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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FVF
FVF

Hi, I just joined. I am divorced, work at home due to covid and my 28 year old only son moved in with his girlfriend. I had a sense of purpose before and now it has just disappeared. I live in the NY downstate area looking to feel less anxious and depressed as well as less lonely.

StellaO
StellaO
Hi. I wish I had something to offer you. I am also sad, anxious and lonely. And Covid strikes again. It seems everything is worse because of the isolation. Everything is day by day. Look for the good in every day and try to be positive for tomorrow. I feel you. Hugs
FVF
FVF
Hi, I wish I something to offer as well. The covid really made things worse. You are right, we have to keep trying to look for the good. Thanks and hugs, Fran
urbangardener
urbangardener
Many of us feel strange, maybe lonely, when our kids move out and become independent. It is a change, on one hand it really is a welcome change because we want our children to have full lives but on the other hand, the quietness of the house suddenly reminds us of what we don't have. This is a transition time for you. That means the old has changed and the new isn't quite here yet. Working from home means you are alone a lot, right? Like you, I am looking for a new sense of purpose as I am in a transition stage. I might suggest you think about what goals you used to have, what hobbies you used to like to do, what activities make you happy. I know some single women whose kids are out of the nest and they love animals so they foster dogs or they get a new dog. I know someone else who loves kids and she became a foster mother when her nest was empty. Another guy I know started traveling by himself and has met all kinds of new men and women. And I also know someone in my neighborhood that started a social group through a neighborhood social media app of older women looking for friends, and then another younger person did the same for younger people from that same app. Covid has negatively impacted both those groups though. My neighbor got a roommate for her extra bedroom. Anyway, you are not alone, we are here with you.
FVF
FVF
Thank you urbangardener,.

Your advise was really helpful and inspiring. You are right, we/I have to keep moving. I started meditation and may look back to the things such as drawing which I did when I had more time which I have now and am having a hard time getting used to it. I would like to find new friends as many of mine have moved away. I am very happy and proud of my son who is with his partner and doing the things that make him happy. Not all of us accomplish those things but I still miss him.