I am having a tough time with the empty nest syndrome. I have always been a stay at home mom of 3 kids. Well they all flew at once. My oldest moved to Texas. I miss her terribly. The other two our near but have there own things going on. Recently my husband had to change to a midnight shift. I have hobbies but rarely see other people during the week. I have alot of anxiety at night. And don't sleep well. Maybe some of you Moms know where I am at right now. This is much harder than I thought it would be. I can't work because of health problems and I am fighting depression more and more.Suggestions please!

I cannot relate, but sympathize -- That I can do. I'm not being a smart-alec here.... Do you have a pet? Maybe a doggie or a kittie can help. I know they are wonderful companions! Also, try writing a letter to your kids telling them how much you miss them. Don't even have to send it. Just get all the thoughts out on paper.

Hope this helps some. Peace be with you tonight. God bless. I hope your anxiety subsides.....

Yes, myhouse, I can relate!! My youngest (my son) left for college (out of state) this past fall and I'm still adjusting! In fact, I started obsessing over his well-being and did that for much of the winter and am just now to the point I can say I'm over it. It's harder than people think to "suddenly change your life after your life changes so suddenly" --you know? I'm finding it takes time and effort to "find yourself" when the kids leave, and not everyone is happy when you do! (Spending a little more time with [new] friends and doing new things --even just reading more--means less time to be on-call for everyone else and I'm finding out that sometimes they resent it!) I think an empty nest forum here would be great, but don't know how many other emptynesters are on here. There is an empty nest site or two on the web (can't remember the URL, sorry--try to google emptynest, etc...) but I enjoy exchanges with people here more. BTW--my older child (daughter) went to Texas, too. And I'm in Illinois, so I can relate! Good luck and keep posting. --t.

Oh, I can relate to this one in terms of anticipatory anxiety! I have one kid, he's 16, and he's the most wonderful kid in the world. I say that because he's 16 and I still really like him! He's certainly not the worry-maker I was at his age! He's a joy to have around and I'm really dreading the day he goes away. I certainly want him to grow up and have a life of his own, but I know there will be a big, empty space for me to fill when he leaves.

So, being the planning, anticipating type we all are, I'm actually trying to distance myself from him little be little now - before he's gone. Does that seem wrong? I don't know. I'm also always thinking of ways to fill the void once he does leave. Reconnecting with friends is one of the things I'm working at. Volunteering for various charities is something I've considered.

Myhouse - I know you can work through this. Keep thinking positively and it will all fall into place! Being a mom is the great roller coaster ride of life, isn't it?!

Thank you for writing me a note on your experiences. I really don't know what to do with this new freedom. It really helps to know that someone can relate to this. Everything has a time and I just need some time to adjust to the changes. I do have pets but they are 14 and 16 and I am losing the battle with the older one.I could use some prayer on the volunteer topic I am still having alot of anxiety and am just out of my comfort zone when I try new things. I have started and stopped so many avenues. I could use some prayers on that one. . Your response is a blessing and I agree this is a good disscussion topic if others are going through this. God Bless