Dealing With Depression When Your Child Moves Out

Eighteen years. You've had your child within arms reach for eighteen years. Of course, you had a few babysitters, they went off to school, and they hung out with friends. But they always came home. Every single day.

They're getting ready to move out. They're off to bigger and better things.

Where did the time go? You knew this would happen eventually, but to be honest, you didn't think it would happen so soon. You thought you'd be ready, prepared, and even happy for them to leave the house.

Instead, you're uneasy, anxious, stressed, and extremely sad about it.

This is how to deal with depression when your child moves out.

Give Yourself Time

First things first, you have to give yourself the necessary time to grieve and process the emotions that you're feeling. You raised your child for X number of years, which means you won't instantly feel better about them moving out of your home. Change takes time. You can't expect to be able to mark a date on a calendar and feel better in a certain timeframe. Processing change and grief are unique to each individual person. There isn't a right way or a wrong way to do it. Allow yourself the necessary time to adjust to the change and move forward.

Focus On Yourself

You've spent the last few years dividing your time between your family and your career, it's time you put yourself first again. Now is the perfect time to prioritize yourself and your own wants and needs. There's a good chance that you had a bucket list of things you wanted to accomplish before you became a parent.

Dig out that list, and get after those goals again. Take up a new hobby. Attend an art class or a cooking class in your community. Go back to school if you're interested in a new career opportunity. Consider volunteering for a charity. Knock out projects in your house that you've been putting off. Now is the time to go after those things you've been putting off.

Lean On Your Loved Ones

Take this time to connect with others and be more social. Put yourself out there and make new friendships. Reach out to family, friends, neighbors, or the parents of your children's friends. Connect with others who may also have children leaving their homes. Knowing that others may be feeling the same way about their children leaving their homes will help to make you feel a little less alone. It's nice to know that others are on the same page as you. Plus, any type of connection or relationship can be a great way for you to get out of your own head.

Seek Additional Support

As a parent, you want what's best for your child. You know that moving out to pursue an education or a career is what's best for them. It's a natural part of the process of growing up.

You can be equally happy for them and sad about the situation. It's okay if you're feeling a little down if they're just moving down the street or to a completely new city or state. Any type of change is hard, especially one as big as your child moving away from your family home.

If you notice that your symptoms of grief or depression are starting to affect your daily life and routine, it may be time to reach out for additional support. A therapist will be able to work with you to help you manage your emotions and move forward in your life again.

Reach out to me today if you're interested in setting up a consultation for depression treatment.