Empty Nest SyndromeParents look forward to the birth of their children. It's a beautiful and cherished experience. Raising a child from birth until they leave home entails many precious moments and of course, some trying moments. Parents are used to having their children around. They are used to sharing daily activities. When the time comes for children to leave home, most parents experience empty nest syndrome at least to an extent. Some parents are devastated when their children leave home. The question is...is empty nest syndrome really about the children leaving home or an emptiness within the parents that was there all along?
Empty nest syndrome is said to be a psychological condition. Some of the emotions a parent feels are very normal, but some parents experience severe reactions when their children leave home. These feelings can lead to depression and the inability to function normally in everyday life. When you are over 40, there are a lot of things going on in your life. You might be going through mid-life crisis. If you are a woman, you are nearing the age of menopause. A lot of people in their 40s begin to feel the effects and fear of aging. Add in the fact your children are leaving home and leaving you with an empty nest, it is overwhelming. Divorce sometimes occurs after children leave home. Some couples stay together because of the children and when the children leave, they realize the marriage dissolved long ago. In this case, emotions can be all over the place because of so many losses at one time. It is very important to take care of yourself and not let empty nest syndrome get the better of you. You still have much life to live, even after your children leave home. If you are married, work together with your spouse on finding ways to stay bonded and active. If you are single, turn to friends and family for support. Sometimes the best remedy to this syndrome is to occupy your mind with something else. Take up a new hobby or class. Learning something new can help solve the problem while simultaneously increasing your knowledge. If you are severely depressed, consider seeking professional or clergical help. Click to browse empty nest articles |
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