For parents, it is both exciting and and overwhelming watching their children grow up. They watch them take their first steps, start school, finish school and then eventually most children decide to move out of home. While this is an eventful milestone for many families, some parents experience what’s been labelled ‘empty nest syndrome’. ‘Empty nest syndrome’ is an informal term used for the sadness, grief, loneliness experienced by some parents after their child leaves home. Not all parents experience these feelings and some enjoy the freedom that comes with their children leaving their home. However, some parents struggle with ‘empty nest syndrome’ which can either last for a short period or in some cases persist for longer periods, making them vulnerable to developing depression.
What is depression?
Depression is a mental health illness that can affect many people at various stages of their life. In general, the risk of depression developing is influenced by a number of risk factors including:
Symptoms of depression
There are specific symptoms that would lead to a diagnosis of depression. These include (over a 2 week period):
Depression amongst ‘empty nesters’
There are a number of reasons why ‘empty nesters’ are at risk of developing depression. ‘Empty nesters’ are going through a major life change when their child leaves home, which can negatively impact their mood in several different ways:
While not all people going through the ‘empty nest’ stage of their life will develop depression, some do. It is important to recognise symptoms of depression if they occur and seek treatment. Depression is a condition that can be treated. There is plenty of professional information and support available in Perth, so people should never suffer with depression alone. Early intervention is the key to successful treatment of depression. Contact the team at Swan Valley Psychology if you would like more information on depression.
Depression is a mental health illness that can affect many people at various stages of their life. In general, the risk of depression developing is influenced by a number of risk factors including:
- Family history of depression
- Substance abuse
- Chronic or serious physical illness
- Major life changes, such as a child leaving home!
Symptoms of depression
There are specific symptoms that would lead to a diagnosis of depression. These include (over a 2 week period):
- Feeling depressed most of the day
- Diminished interest in work or activities
- Weight loss of gain
- Sleeping problems
- Fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Some people may experience thoughts of suicide
Depression amongst ‘empty nesters’
There are a number of reasons why ‘empty nesters’ are at risk of developing depression. ‘Empty nesters’ are going through a major life change when their child leaves home, which can negatively impact their mood in several different ways:
- Some people feel they have lost their identity in terms of their role as a parent.
- Some people experience feelings of guilt that they may not have prepared their child well enough for the outside world.
- Some parents experience changes in their relationship with their partner. Without the distraction of caring for children, some parents find relationship issues more difficult to ignore.
While not all people going through the ‘empty nest’ stage of their life will develop depression, some do. It is important to recognise symptoms of depression if they occur and seek treatment. Depression is a condition that can be treated. There is plenty of professional information and support available in Perth, so people should never suffer with depression alone. Early intervention is the key to successful treatment of depression. Contact the team at Swan Valley Psychology if you would like more information on depression.
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