The Children are Grown, Now What?
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Transcript of The Children are Grown, Now What?
Overview
• The populations that this may affect
• Define Empty Nest Syndrome
• Challenges of having time to yourself
• Opportunities to having time to yourself
• People to contact
• Discussions and Questions
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What You Will Walk Away With
• You will know that you are not alone
• A sense of what may make the transition from 3+ to 1 easier.
• Ways to cope
• People to talk to
• Ideas to help
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Who is included in this?• A spouse of a deploying Airman who also
has grown children
• A parent of an Airman
• An Airman that has only grown children
• A spouse of a deploying Airman with no children
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What is Empty Nest Syndrome? • Empty Nest Syndrome refers to feelings of
depression, sadness, and/or grief experienced by parents and caregivers after children come of age and leave their childhood homes.
04/18/23Psychology Today (
http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/empty-nest-syndrome
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Normal reactions
• Sadness
• Worry
• Crying (every once in a while)
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More Troublesome Reactions• You feel your useful life has ended.
• You are crying excessively.
• You're so sad, you don't want to mix with friends or go to work.
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Challenges You MAY Face: • Other changes may be occurring at the
same time
• Re-defining yourself
• Moving through the sadness and worry
• Feeling a lack of control
• Cooking for one
• Staying healthy
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The Positives
• You may notice that the refrigerator does not need refilling quite as often.
• Romance with your spouse may increase. The two of you have time and space now to return to being just a couple; make the most of it.
• Allow time for your relationship to blossom anew. This can be an exciting time of rejuvenation for both of you.
• Smaller water, phone and electricity bills will help you save money. And that saved money can be put toward a vacation with your spouse or friends!
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Ways To Get Through It• Prepare for the departure• Shift aside the terrifying thoughts• Explore the ways that you intend to keep in touch with
your children and/or your spouse• Understand what empty nest syndrome is, so that you
can recognize the symptoms in your own situation • Accept support• Start looking to your own needs• Rediscover the love of your life• Focus on some of the positive points of your kids moving
out
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Ideas
• Get involved at a project at work• Gardening• Take Classes (cooking, photography, art)• Join or go to the Gym• Yoga• Writing• Reading• Cooking• Consider volunteering04/18/23 Click to enter title in footer 11
Where to Seek Help
• Airman & Family Readiness 410-918-6768• Chaplains 410-918-6759• Commander/Supervisor• Veterans’ Crisis Line, 24/7 800-273-TALK (8255)
option 1• Director of Psychological Health 410-918-6558• Military & Family Life Consultant• Physician• VA/Vet Center• www.MilitaryOneSource.com 800-342-9647 (24/7)• www.WingmanProject.org • http://www.afterdeployment.org/
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References
• Develin,D.MD, Webber, C. 2010. Empty Nest Syndrome. Retrived from Netdoctor http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/womenshealth/features/ens.htm
• Psychology Today. 2009 Empty Nest Syndrome. http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/empty-nest-syndrome
• Traversa, M. 2011. How To Recover From Empty Nest Syndrome. Retrived from WikiHow. http://www.wikihow.com/Recover-From-Empty-Nest-Syndrome
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Susan Deal LCSW-C
175th Wing Director of Psychological Health
410-918-6558
https://www.facebook.com/175thWDPH
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