Parents struggling with ‘empty nest syndrome’ after their children have left for university are being reminded that Samaritans are just a phone call away.
With university students having left home and settling into campus life, it can be a difficult time for parents, as they learn to cope with not having their children around the house.
Gill Porter, Director of Samaritans Isle of Man, explained: ‘Empty nest syndrome refers to the sadness parents feel when their child moves away from home, and it’s only natural to be worried.
‘Parents can be apprehensive about how their child will cope living by themselves – worrying about everything from how they will get their meals, to tidying their house and making the bed, but also how they will settle into their new surroundings, particularly if they have moved to a city, and who their new friends will be.
‘It can also be a lonely time for parents, because no matter how many times we might have to nag our teenagers to tidy their bedrooms or wash up their dishes, it is a huge wrench to suddenly not have them around. It can be very difficult to cope with, and we just want to remind parents who are struggling with the transition that our volunteers are available to talk all day, every day. Just talking to someone about what is worrying you can be a huge help. Our number is 116 123 and it is free to call.’
To speak to Samaritans please call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
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