Empty Nest Depression - anyone else?

You are probably feeling alone right now. Try real hard to stay in the moment. Maybe do some things that you are now able to do with the kids gone. Try to think of it as a new beginning instead of the end of something.

I know it is hard. I am not going through it, but I am thinking there are others who are or have. They can share with you their feelings.

I hope that you can move forward instead of being sad. One day at a time, hang in there...

Hugs, Karen...

Hi - Thinking about it, I think there are almost "stages" of empty nest. First a taste of it when kids go to college or get a job out of town, then when they marry, then when they have their own homes. Long way of saying, yes, I have been where you are. It was always a little bittersweet. Sad, because I missed them, but also very proud and happy that they were happy and moving on with their lives.

We give so much of ourselves as moms! Of course we feel a huge void when the kids leave. Be gentle with yourself, maybe treat yourself to something special right now. I agree with the other suggestions made too. Just know that your feelings are OK, and you will find your way.
Keep posting too.
Hope

It is very hard when you have spent sooo many yrs being 'MOM". We spend so much time raising them to eventually be adults able to live and care for themselves - and then - they do!! It can throw our whole world upside down.

Within a year and a half, I lost my beloved 13 1/2 yo 'puppy' who was my shadow, while taking care of my darling mother as she was dying, then ALL 3 of my children left home. My younger son went to school in FL, my 'Bookends' moved to their own apts.

While all this was going on, I couldn't burden my forever friend - my DM - so I mostly kept it to myself or briefly hit on to my DH.

I had to put so many things on hold while my DM was so sick. I had a hard time finding interest in old hobbies, it took me a long time to get my 'groove' back. My children have teased me for yrs about my garden, I would just laugh it off. I finally told my older son, 'It's my therapy!' I like to scrapbook, I couldn't bring myself to even look at old family pix for a long time. I have resumed that hobby, too.

My DH and I had some work that needed to be done on our house. We aren't able to do it physically, so we had some ppl come in and that has also refreshed our moods.

One of my favorite changes has been to get two marvelous 'puppies'. They bring such joy into our lives and they keep us 'on our toes' so to speak.

You need some time to come to grips w/ the changes in your life. Use that time to make some plans and adjust to the next stage of your life. Now is your chance to enjoy all your hard work. Enjoy your children as the lovely young adults that they are.

God bless. Alice.

Panic attacks can be nasty. Remember to breathe, in through the nose and out through the mouth. This often settles the panic episodes down. Gets you back centered.

Hang in there...

Hugs, Karen...

Hello. I too am facing this challenge. My daughter is 27 and leaving for first time. Started
Ihaving panic symptoms and now crying alot. Sorry you are too but glad there is someone who gets you.

I know but feels like there is a hole in my heart..love her dooo much. She is my heart

She wont be far away. Thanks for your supports

I remember these feelings.
I used to look up the steps before I went to bed and the empty rooms upstairs broke my heart. How I longed for the days when my 3 little ducks were in a row- snug in their beds upstairs.
Mine were 5 years, then 3 years apart so it came in stages. When my youngest left I was devastatd. But only for a month or two-it was strange but I reconnected with my husband and found a sense of freedom.
It's hard to accept but truly our jobs were to push the baby birds from our nests and let them fly. When they fly- we are a success
Wishing you peace

I have been there and I have to say it was one of the most emotionally hard times in my life.

My eldest moved in and out from the time he graduated HS until about 21 or so. He joined the military. His brother (2 yrs apart) stayed until he got married. So, still hard but easier. Then, my Daughter got married (she is 6-8 yrs younger than her sibs.) I was really having a horrible time. We spent quite a bit of time together. But, I had also switched jobs as had my hubby. I also stressed out a lot because of said job so quit without another job in line. I ended up not working for several years. The kicker was my thyroid decided to go hyper. I felt awful as they had to lower it a bit at a time.

My kids all have kid/s and work and many of the traditions are going by the wayside. But, we still get together often as a whole family. I grieve but their lives are important too. And, I know I'm blessed to have had them in the first place. And, having grands does wonders, too.

I just remind myself that I raised my kids to be strong and independent. That brings me joy. All are happy in their jobs and marriages and children. That only helps a little but life could sure be worse. That doesn't mean I'm not sad only that it does get easier.

I feel the same about being an empty nester. My youngest is moving out this summer. He graduates in May and I am so proud of him and want him to stay home but can't tell him that. He is almost 23 and has a great job lined up and wants to spread his wings. The thing is, understand it but HATE it. I love him and my other son so much. I miss the times when they were younger and all the fun things we did. Where did the time go? It wasn't as hard when my oldest moved out -- I suppose since I had the younger one here. The sadness is really creeping in and making life hard.

Welcome summer fun!

I had an Uncle who became a widower when his twins were 12

They both became dr s

He beat empty nesting by semi retiring
Making a list of ALL the things he had said, thought or dreamed out doing
IF he didn't have to work.
Stuff just for him!!! Maybe a friend..

He spent 2 weeks in NYC going to plays
Jazz clubs libraries where white gloves were required to handle the books documents
Just an example

I have never forgotten that