Wellspring Therapy Center, Carlsbad, CA : Empty Nest Syndrome Therapy

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Empty Nest Syndrome

Empty Nest Syndrome refers to feelings of depression, sadness, and/or grief experienced by parents and caretakers after children coming of age leave their childhood homes. This may occur when children leave home to attend college or to get married. Women are more likely to be affected. Often, their children may move out at a time when mothers are also going through significant life events such as menopause and caring for elderly parents.

More mothers work these days, and therefore have less of a feeling of emptiness when their children leave their homes. Also, there is a recent trend of adult children between 25 and 34 now living at home. U.S based psychologist Allan Scheinberg notes that parents have been able to give more and therefore have left "boomerang kids" wanting the "limited responsibility of childhood and the privileges of adulthood." Children may also boomerang back home due to the following: economics, divorce, a safety net, extended education, drug/alcohol problems or temporary transitions.

Symptoms

Feelings of sadness are normal at this time. It is also normal to go into the absent child's bedroom and sit there for a while in order to feel closer to him or her.

You should monitor your reactions and their duration. If you note that you are feeling that your useful life has ended, or if you are crying excessively, or are so sad that you don't want to mix with friends or go to work, you should consider seeking professional help.

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Wellspring Therapy Center | 2945 Harding Street Suite # 110, Carlsbad, CA 92008 | Ph: (760) 730-3939