‘Empty nest syndrome’ is the latest mental health battle for working parents

By Alyssa Place, This is my expertise
Published 4 Min Read

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Now that parents have dropped their children off at college for a new school year, they’re heading back home alone. The transition can lead to an unexpected emotional dip. 

“‘Empty nest syndrome’ is a really interesting phenomenon for parents who have built a life around a child being in their house, and then the kid leaves the nest,” says Laurel McKenzie, behavioral scientist at digital coaching platform, CoachHub. “The symptoms and effects of losing a really important emotional connection in your life can come up as depression, anxiety and a loss of identity.” 

Alyssa Place
Editor-in-chief

Alyssa Place is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News and has been with the team since 2019. Her work covers mental health, DEI, women at work, financial wellness, retirement and workplace … Read full bio


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