Posted: 8th August 2018
Empty nest syndrome is a feeling of grief and loneliness parents may feel when their children leave home for the first time, such as to live on their own or to attend a college or university. ‘Wikipedia’
As the autumn approaches many students are preparing to leave home and start college, university or go away on a gap year. This is a new, sometimes daunting prospect, but also an exciting phase in their lives. But, these young people are not the only ones facing all these changes, parents will also be starting a new chapter in their lives. Empty nest syndrome can leave parents feeling quite overwhelmed at times and unable to think rationally, suffering a real downward spiral in their emotions. Yet it is important to make the transition easy for these young adults, without focusing on the sense of loss and sadness at their departure.
It is no surprise that we have such a dramatic reaction to the departure of our offspring. We are designed to be part of a tribe -we generally flourish when we have friends, family and loved ones around. So as our children start to leave we have a genuine sense of “all is not right here” – effectively a member of our tribe is going missing then our minds take over – we start to negatively forecast the future – our security guard is on high alert getting us ready for impending doom or destruction – this primitive default mechanism has saved us for generations and why we are alive today. However, it can get out of control and it is important to recognise what is happening when you have that incessant chatter going on in your head and focus on the positive things in your lives.
Solution Focused therapy is a great way of giving you a gentle nudge to help make small changes for your greater good and those other important people in your lives. For more information or to book an appointment please call me on 07795547070 or email me direct angela@angelabrownhypnotherapy.com Picture courtesy of Jerry Keisewetter
