Empty Nest Syndrome: Here Are 6 Tips On How To Reclaim Your Life

When we speak of empty nest syndrome, we’re referring to feelings of depression, loneliness and grief.

Empty nest syndrome isn’t a clinical diagnosis, it’s a human experience of loss and separation. Totally normal, but often very difficult.

We may think this affects women more than men, but fathers often go through the same experience too.

Trying to see the positives in this new life stage can be difficult, but given time, you might find yourself totally embracing it.

Here top tips to deal with it:

• 1. Give yourself time to adjust as this is a big change.

There are all kinds of worries attached to not knowing how your children are doing. Are they safe and well? You will all need time to get used to this.

• 2. Try not to be surprised by the emotions you feel.

Some parents experience profound feelings of loneliness when their children leave. Loneliness can be a very powerful feeling and can make it hard to enjoy things while you’re in the grip of it. In its own way, you are mourning for a period that has come to an end.

You will probably feel other upsets, the sense of loss, the worries, or you might find you’re not sleeping so well. With all of these things, try to go easy on yourself.

• 3. Think about your new schedule, about what you want to do.

You will likely have time in the evenings and during the day to do new things. Now there will be opportunities to spend more quality time with your partner, or family and friends.

But again, if you have spent the last 18 years being pushed around by your children’s agendas, you will need to give yourself time to adapt to this new world.

• 4. Don’t expect too much of yourself.

Change takes a certain amount of time and energy. It might seem difficult at first, but things will settle down in time. All of us adjust to things at different paces.

• 5. If you find you are struggling, if the loneliness and low mood feels like it’s settled in

Then you might think about seeing a psychotherapist, possibly for just a couple of sessions. It will give you a confidential place in which to talk through your emotions and experience.

Try to remember it’s completely normal that you are feeling the loss of the children around the home.

• 6. Start to plan things with your friends, perhaps people you haven’t seen so much of recently.

Perhaps your friends are going through this transition too. It generally helps to be able to share our feelings. It punctures the sense of loneliness.

It might feel a bit odd at first, to be picking up these old relationships, but try to take it easy and give yourself time.

Pretty soon, you may find yourself looking forward to seeing them and planning new things to do together.