You may feel a sense of grief and loss when the last child leaves the home.
Then the time comes when your job is done, and the kids flee the nest.
What Are the Symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome?
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
When children leave the nest, it can feel oddly bittersweet.
It can create an overwhelming sense of loss and grief.
Youre reminded of what once was, and this can bring up feelings ofloneliness.
Now that they are more self-sufficient, you may feel like youvelost a sense of yourselfand yourlifes purpose.
Difficulty Focusing and Always Thinking About Your Children
You may feel restless and irritable during the day.
But now it might feel uncomfortable to sit still and read a book.
Your mind wanders easily.
If one partner is having an easier time transitioning, it can make the other feel alone and resentful.
How Long Does It Take to Get Over Empty Nest Syndrome?
However, for others, it can take many years to get over empty nest syndrome.
You may be thinking about your relationship with your child and regretting how you raised them.
You may feel angry at yourself for not spending more time with them.
You may not think your child is making the right decisions in life.
Its normal to feel all these emotions during this time.
Its important to speak with your healthcare provider if youre consistently experiencingsymptoms of depressionor your grief has gotten worse.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
How to Cope With Empty Nest Syndrome
Your children have grown.
You did what you could in raising them into well-adjusted and responsible adults.
This is an emotionally and mentally difficult time.
It can take a toll on your relationships, mental health, and emotional well-being.
However, empty nest syndrome doesnt have to impact your life in the long term negatively.
Badiani F, Sousa AD.The empty nest syndrome : critical clinical considerations.IJMH.
2016;3(2):135.
Bougea A, Despoti A, Vasilopoulos E.Empty-nest-related psychosocial stress: Conceptual issues, future directions in economic crisis.Psychiatriki.
2020;30(4):329338.
Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia.Empty Nest Syndrome.
Langhammer B, Bergland A, Rydwik E.The importance of physical activity exercise among older people.Biomed Res Int.
