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.
This is my first post. I am having anxiety and depression from my daughter moving out of state yesterday to go to graduate school. She lived across the country for years and moved back home 2 years ago in her own apt. but recently with me for the past 2 months. As a single parent, I have welcomed her company and being able to bond again.
I thought I was prepared for this, but right after I saw her car drive away, I cried terribly. Since then, I have had 2 anxiety episodes feeling so very isolated and alone. I am a shy person so over the years have had trouble really establishing any close friends. Family lives away also. I volunteer and work part time, but still basically alone. My faith helps me, but still need the feeling of the caring support of another person. My whole role in life has been nurturing my 2 children, but now they have moved away, please help, this is very upsetting when I am right now. Thanks.
I thought I was prepared for this, but right after I saw her car drive away, I cried terribly. Since then, I have had 2 anxiety episodes feeling so very isolated and alone. I am a shy person so over the years have had trouble really establishing any close friends. Family lives away also. I volunteer and work part time, but still basically alone. My faith helps me, but still need the feeling of the caring support of another person. My whole role in life has been nurturing my 2 children, but now they have moved away, please help, this is very upsetting when I am right now. Thanks.
I'm really glad you're here, you're not alone.
Thanks for the welcome and words of encouragement. Had a better day today. Worked helped distract me and then listened to a radio sermon in my car on my way home, from someone named Rick Warren, subject was When Your World Falls Apart and it hit home so much. Really lifted me up so much, thankfully. So many people are sad and grieving in their own ways on here, glad it is a warm, supportive place to share. Really helps.
I get panic attacks and crying jags. I was a stay at home mom for 15 years and I think we feel it the most. All my friends were made when my kids were little and we moved so lost them all. Then my kids got older and didn't make more. Many people say get a dog. I don't know. I am considering it if my son moves clear across the country.
I have a friend I walk with about twice a month for an hour and she did, get a dog when her oldest, her daughter moved out. She very social and doesn't seem to have any problems with being an empty nester (her son left 2 months ago). But she jokes her dogs are her kids now. Maybe there is some truth in it.
Anyway sure know where you are at and pray it gets better for you. It has been 18 months since my oldest left and I have not improved much. Some days do better, but still hard.