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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Paulinaakk1 09/01/2014

I watch so many people wave their kids off and they are a bit sad, but nothing overwhelming and the feeling fades and in a few months they are enjoying their new found freedom.

I seem to be stuck in an endless sadness. I would like to say things got better than when my oldest moved out, but the only reason they have is he is home so much more with his girlfriend living closer to us. Once they get married and move to his apartment I know he won't be here much and I will go back to depression.

So I was wondering if we all have something in common.

Were you a stay at home mom?

Are you a single parent or in a marriage that has drifted apart?

Do you have trouble making close friends or your social circle is very small?

Do you belong to clubs, groups, etc?

Are you close to your parents, siblings, extended family?

I have been isolated for years with just my children really and I think that is why I have such struggles. How about everyone else?

naturetree 09/01/2014

I was a stay -at - home mom
Married for awhile-but mostly a single parent-now divorced
lots of trouble making friends-no social circle
Dont belong to any clubs
I am not close to my siblings,and my parents have passed
I'm isolated ,yes.My kids have been my world and still are.Ive made them my number 1 priority, always.I think its hard for all moms but especially hard for people who have nothing but their kids......hugs xx

Got3Boys 09/01/2014

I'm only on week #2, but I am fiercely sad and depressed. I feel I have zero reason to get up in the mornings now.

I have been a SAHM since 1987. Have zero family other than my husband and kids. I was an only child....so was my Dad. My husband moved us away many, many years ago from where we grew up, so have no true friends here. I have acquaintances and neighbors, but no real good friends to hang and bond with. I'm honestly miserable. I made my children my entire focus, which I now see was a mistake to some extent.

So very sorry to be such a downer. I really am... I just feel hopelessly sad right now. Gosh, will I ever adjust?

shoretimenow 09/01/2014

Similar to Got3Boys....I am also an only child, but have no parents.

Had my oldest when I was only 21 and now the youngest has left for college. Having a hard time. I feel like I've always had a child around.

No, I work...but only part time and my world still revolved around them. My children were my world...and still are...but without them here...there is clearly a void.

My husband and I have drifted apart and he is a work for 14 hours a day. I do have some friends, but they all have younger children.

I joined this group because I need ideas, help, in filling this void.

DeniseMas58 09/01/2014

Interesting thoughts Paulina. I only worked part time, not really the happiest marriage (in my opinion), not that close to family, no groups or clubs at all. It's pretty much just me, myself, and I. I feel like my best friend has left me.

Thanks for hitting the nail on the head, it makes a lot of sense.

Paulinaakk1 09/02/2014

Well it does seem several of us come of similar backgrounds. The solution seems to be to get out there and "join". I have a real hard time with that as about 5 months a year I work intense jobs that require a lot of hours, then I go down to nothing again. It is very hard to maintain a friendship when you can't give it any time. Sigh.

watjar 09/02/2014

I've always worked since my girls were 18 months old.. This week is week 3.. first weekend "alone". it does get easier.. So far had no waterworks, today! knock on wood.. Sunday and yesterday were HARD days. I was married until the girls were 8.. and have been on my own since. They were my world. Their dad had remarried and rarely see them. They have not stay with him at his home in about 2 years or so. I am very close to my family.. however, they are 12 hours away. I am considering moving back sooner than planned. I do have small circle of friends.. that I am forcing myself to get out and do things with. I just went to a Painting with twist class.. I actually had fun.
Go find a class, you can meet people that way. I did meet a lady who has a deaf brother. (BTW, I am deaf.) My friend is hearing and we were signing away. She came up and introduce herself. I know her brother..

It is hard for me because I am very close to my girls. I had to let them fly.. we have to trust them to know what to do. They will ask for help.. when they need it. We taught them that.. so hang in there! It shall pass like my mom said. She said it was hard when I left for college as well.

hugs to you all!!

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