EMPTY NEST SYNDROME - COPING WITH CHANGE

As children grow up and leave home, parents often experience a profound emotional shift known as Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS).

- MANSI SONI

This psychological phenomenon is characterized by feelings of sadness, loss, or anxiety when children move out to pursue higher education, careers, or independent lives.

While it is a natural stage in the parenting journey, the transition can be emotionally challenging, affecting mental health and family dynamics.

WHAT IS EMPTY NEST SYNDROME?

Empty Nest Syndrome is not a clinical disorder but rather a normal reaction to a major life change. Parents may feel a sense of purposelessness, loneliness, or grief as their daily routines and family roles change. It can manifest as mood swings, irritability, or even physical symptoms like fatigue or sleep disturbances. While traditionally associated with mothers, fathers can also experience ENS, sometimes with feelings of anxiety or disconnection from their partner.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL IMPACT

The psychological impact of ENS varies depending on individual circumstances and coping mechanisms.