The kids have finally flown the nest, and you have all the time in the world to do whatever you please, but instead find yourself tearful and sad, struggling with a loss of meaning or an overwhelming sense of worry about your child’s wellbeing. The good news is that what you’re experiencing has a name – empty nest syndrome (ENS) – and it’s a common response for parents when their children leave home. But how do you know if it’s simply ENS, or something more serious? Dr. Michele Rogers, Consultant Psychiatrist at Mediclinic Constantiaberg, chats to Irma G about the syndrome, the warning signs it may be more serious and offers practical advice on how to rebuild a sense of purpose and identity after the children leave home.