Empty Nest Syndrome

QUESTION: What is empty nest syndrome?

ANSWER:

Empty nest syndrome is the feeling of loss or sadness when children leave home to attend school for the first time or when the child has graduated and goes away to college.

If the mother is the primary caregiver for her child, she often experiences a sense of loss of worthiness. Missing the involvement in her child’s everyday activities, a mother may have a temporary identity crisis.

These feelings, if not addressed, can lead to depression and anxiety. Unaccountable tears and emotionalism after a child has left, are some of the signs of empty nest syndrome.

Empty Nest Syndrome – A Personal Story
I experienced this when my daughter went to college. My parents and my son’s family, living in close proximity at the time, also announced their intention of moving to another city. I became overwhelmed by the sense of loneliness, even though my husband was close by.

To overcome my empty nest syndrome, my husband and I began to make positive changes in our marriage. We decided to build a new house since our large family home became unnecessary. We began to understand that our lives would go on and be completed as a marriage should be.

We began a deeper look into what a marriage truly means as a partnership. Our new home reflected our own likes and desires without the consideration of building a home to house children. Our goals changed and became another journey.

One of the most exciting things was the fact that when the phone rang it meant the caller truly wanted to talk to us!

Life is a journey and empty nest syndrome is just a very small adjustment. Your life becomes your own again. If you’re not home at dinner time, it’s ok.

Get back in the adventure of life because life doesn’t end with an empty nest. It’s another beginning!