“Facing Empty Nest Syndrome: How to cope so life feels full again” on Psychology Today

You raised your child to be independent, but still, it can feel like such as loss when your child moves out on their own. Empty nest syndrome is a very real feeling of grief and loss, including feelings of loneliness and shifting of your sense of purpose. It most frequently happens when your children go off to college or start to live independently. The feeling of loss you experience can be similar to the grief you feel when there is a death in the family. A loss is a loss, even if it is tied to positive reasons. You may feel anxiety, depression, anger, relief, and denial. You are learning a new way to interact with your child, your partner, and most importantly, yourself.