Extreme empty nest grief

[longpathtohappiness]

Extreme empty nest grief/pain, can't stop crying. Feel so empty. Pain is unbearable. Already on antidepressants. help

Oh I'm so sorry @longpathtohappiness.

Do you have anyone living with you? Have you thought about some things that you'd like to do with some of your time?

Or the other extreme is having special needs adults living with you who need you all the time. I know which one I prefer.

I'm sorry you feel like this, but are your adult offspring leading happy and fulfilled lives? If so you should be taking pleasure and pride in your skills as a parent. Have they gone low contact with you or will you be seeing them regularly? This is your opportunity to create a fulfilled life for yourself which doesn't only define you as a parent. Can you redecorate to your own tastes?
Join some clubs, start volunteering, plan a holiday, take up new crafts, if you identify as a nurturer find a charity which will benefit from your skills.

Hard isn't it @Nelliemellie. I don't think our DC2 will be ready to move out for many years, and we've made it plain that she can stay as long as she likes. I can see why it might be hard for some people when their DC have all left home though

It's really tough. Redecorate, do not keep shrines in the hope they'll come back. Get stuck into a mega declutter and buy paper or a paint colour you love and do a room up. Move your bed into other room. Make changes. Create a gallery wall of fave pics. Get a pet. I went through it along with menopause it was awful, make yourself move on.