When They Leave the Nest: Mental Health for Parents in Transition

June 12, 2025
Parents feeling sad

By LaKisha Watson, MS, LCDCI, Manager, AllOne Therapy 

There’s so much joy in watching your child graduate or move into adulthood. It’s a proud moment. But for many parents and caregivers, it also comes with a quiet kind of grief. 

No one really prepares you for the moment your child needs you less

You may be celebrating them on the outside while questioning your purpose on the inside. That’s a tender space to hold. And it deserves support, too. 

The Emotional Shift of Letting Go 

This is a major life change. It can stir up feelings of loss, uncertainty, and even guilt, especially if you’re surprised by how much it hurts. You’ve spent years nurturing someone else. And now… it’s time to remember who you are outside of that role. 

That doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human. 

And here’s the thing, letting go doesn’t mean you stop loving or supporting them. It just means you’re learning to shift the way you show up. That’s brave. And it’s also deeply emotional. You might feel nostalgic, unsure, or even disconnected from yourself. 

This can be a time to explore what brings you joy again. 

This Week’s Reflection 

What part of you is asking to be seen in this season? 
Maybe it’s your creativity. Maybe it’s your rest. Maybe it’s your need to process everything you’re feeling. 

What did you used to love doing before life got so busy? What would it look like to give yourself permission to explore that again? 

Let this be a time where you reintroduce yourself to… you

At AllOne Therapy, we support parents and caregivers through all life transitions, including the quiet ones. If you’re adjusting to this new chapter, we’re here to walk with you. 

To learn more, contact us.