Empty Nest Syndrome ⋆ Meno Martha

“Empty nest syndrome isn’t a clinical diagnosis. Instead,
it’s a phenomenon where parents experience feelings of
sadness and loss when the last child leaves home”.¹

Umbrella
What may the Empty Nest Syndrome Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Empty Nest Syndrome
Midlife Empty Nest Syndrome

Definition

What is empty nest syndrome?

Depending on the Source (DotS) the definition of empty nest syndrome may vary. In 4 Tips for Enjoying Your Empty Nest the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s explain is:

“Empty nest syndrome isn’t a clinical diagnosis. Instead, it’s a phenomenon where parents experience feelings of sadness and loss when the last child leaves home”.²

Symptoms

What may be symptoms of empty nest syndrome?

In Empty Nest Syndrome: Symptoms the (United States) Psychology Today explain:

“Empty nesters may feel:

Sadness…
Loss…
Depression…
Loneliness
Distress
Worry or anxiety over their child’s wellbeing
A loss of purpose and meaning in life
Increased marital tensions”.³

Coping

How can parents cope with empty nest syndrome?

In 4 Tips for Enjoying Your Empty Nest: Advice for the Transition the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Here are a few tips if you’re experiencing feelings of loss due to empty nest syndrome:

Accept the timing…
Keep in touch…
Seek support…
Stay positive…”.⁴

In Empty Nest Syndrome: Treatment Psychology Today elaborate on:

“For many, coping with an empty nest is mitigated by remaining in contact with the child. A parent can keep in touch with their child via weekly text, email, or phone calls. In times of stress and loneliness, reaching out for social support can also be helpful, especially from parents in a similar situation. In addition, diligent self-care—in the form of a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, exercise, and downtime—is recommended”.⁵

Challenges

What challenges may accompany empty nest syndrome?

In Empty Nest Season Has Arrived: Challenges of the Empty Nest the author elaborates on:

“A big challenge of the empty nest is that it is often accompanied by other transitions that aren’t necessarily welcome or easy to manage. Caregiving for older adult relatives may now be needed. Job transitions may be upcoming – either stepping down at work, retiring, or beginning a new job hunt now that the “kids are grown””.⁶

Benefits

What benefits may accompany an empty nest?

In 4 Tips for Enjoying Your Empty Nest: Benefits To Empty Nesters the Mayo Clinic explain:

“As hard as the change may be, having an empty nest can bring benefits to parents. Recent studies suggest that an empty nest might reduce work and family conflicts. Having an empty nest also gives parents a new opportunity to reconnect with each other, improve the quality of their marriage and rekindle interests with newfound time”.⁷

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have empty nest syndrome?

If you think you have empty nest syndrome, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

In Empty Nest Syndrome: Treatment Psychology Today elaborate on:

“Therapy with a licensed health care practitioner may be wise if loneliness, depression, or sadness are overwhelming or impeding everyday life”.⁸

Health Topics A-Z

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