When your children grow up and leave home, it can bring up a lot of mixed feelings. You’re proud of them for venturing into the new world, but your home may now feel uncomfortably quiet. These feelings are typically called “empty nest syndrome,” and it can be a difficult transition for any parent. But there are some clear steps you can take to help with the empty nest adjustment.
What Is Empty Nest Syndrome?
Empty nest syndrome is the sadness parents feel when their children leave home. This condition is more common in women, but men can also experience it.
What Are the Symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome?
The typical signs of empty nest syndrome are:
- Loneliness. In the beginning, your loneliness may be frequent and intense.
- Emotional instability. You may experience extreme highs and lows as you work through this new stage in life. So, you’ll go from feeling incredibly sad when seeing an object at home that reminds you of your child to feeling free and joyous when doing new hobbies because of your new free time.
- Loss of purpose. Parents often feel they have no purpose now that they don’t have their children to look after.
- Anxiety. Worrying about how your child will do on their own in the real world is normal and expected.
- Depression. If empty nest syndrome isn’t managed, it can eventually lead to more serious mental health issues, such as depression. A meta-analysis of empty nesters in China found that the overall prevalence of depression in empty nesters was 43%.
Empty Nest Adjustment: 7 Tips
The empty nest adjustment from seeing your child daily to them moving out can be complex. If you’re experiencing empty nest syndrome, here are some tips that can help.
1. Don’t Ignore Your Feelings
It’s important to acknowledge and accept your emotions. After all, it’s perfectly understandable to feel sad that your child has moved out. You know this means you’ll see them less and they won’t rely on you as much.
Allow yourself to feel sad and lonely and process those feelings. Then, try to focus on the good. Your children have left the house, probably because you gave them what they needed, and now they can thrive independently. This is a good thing that will bring on an exciting chapter for both you and them.
2. Embrace Hobbies
You can view this new stage of your life as an opportunity to rediscover yourself. Now, you have more time to dedicate to personal interests and hobbies. Consider taking up old passions or trying out new ones. Try knitting, photography, dance classes or any other exciting new hobby.
3. Take on Personal Growth
Now can be an excellent opportunity to dedicate time to your personal growth and development. You can take classes at a local college, listen to self-help books or teach yourself online about a new topic.
Learning something new can be a distraction from your empty nest feelings and help you feel revitalized.
4. Be Social
Your kids being at home gave you easy access to company, which likely helped fill your social needs. Now that your children have left the house, it’s essential to be mindful of cultivating relationships. Being social is crucial for overall mental health.
Examine where you have opportunities to be more social. Set up a weekly walk or coffee date with close friends. Or join a local club to find new friends. Now is a fantastic time to throw yourself into old and new friendships.
5. Keep in Touch
Your children leaving the home can be sad, but it’s not a goodbye. Communicate with your kids that it’s important to you to still keep in regular touch with each other. If your children haven’t moved far, ask if you can schedule a weekly or biweekly dinner with them. Or if they’ve moved further out, ask them to set up regular video calls with you. These frequent check-ins can help you feel connected and remind you that they may be out of your home but not your life.
6. Rekindle Your Romantic Relationship
Parents often prioritize their children above all else, which means romantic relationships take a back seat. Now’s the time to focus on your romantic life. If you have a partner, make a conscious effort to prioritize them. You can take trips, go on date nights and discover new hobbies together. And if you don’t have a partner, now’s a great time to get into the dating scene.
7. Seek Support
If you feel you aren’t getting better on your own, know that there’s empty nest syndrome support. Speaking to a mental health professional can help you work through your feelings, learn coping mechanisms and come to terms with your new life.
Help Is Available; Reach Out Today
You don’t have to deal with the intense emotions of empty nest syndrome on your own. Mental Health Hotline connects you with the support you need. There’s someone here for you 24-7, so call today.
