There comes a time when children must leave the nest and embark new lives away from their parents, whether that’s starting college in a new city or moving to a new state for a job. While coping with your children leaving home is a big challenge, finding a family counselor in Las Vegas who can talk through your empty nest syndrome doesn’t have to be.
Here are common questions about empty nest syndrome and how a family counselor can help:
Empty nest syndrome sums up the feelings of sadness parents may feel when their last child leaves the house, the Mayo Clinic states.
When their children move away, parents can feel at a loss because they have grown used to their children’s companionship at home. If they are questioning their children’s ability to take care of themselves independently or their safety outside of the home, this can also trigger empty nest syndrome.
Parents who have only had one child or who most likely identify with their roles as parents are probably most likely to have empty nest syndrome and have a harder time coping with this condition, the Mayo Clinic suggests.
In addition, Dr. Kyle Bradford Jones, a family physician, said stay at home parents are also susceptible to this condition and the syndrome can be a critical problem, according to the University of Utah Health Sciences Radio.
Being apart from family is both distressing to children and to parents. As a result of empty nest syndrome, parents can experience negative side effects to their health and relationships, including:
Though parents may not want to admit they have empty nest syndrome, they could benefit from finding a family counselor in Las Vegas. Children of parents suffering from empty nest syndrome are also likely to notice parents becoming depressed. Parents who are in the beginning stages of empty nest syndrome, and especially those who have severe depression or anxiety, should seek help through a family counselor.
Dr. Jones says seeking therapy can encourage parents to acknowledge these emotions and talking to someone can help with coping with these feelings and the transition into dealing with an empty house.