Your teenager just graduated high school. Congratulations! You’re probably feeling super proud as a parent, happy for them that they’ve reached this goal, and excited about what the future holds.
But you might be feeling something else – a strange kind of sadness, almost like grief?
Maybe you can relate – and at Mindwell Urgent Care, we can address a possible explanation.
A New Identity – For You AND For Them
Your child is moving into adulthood, which means taking on more responsibilities and taking care of themselves more. But it also changes your identity. For the last few years, you’ve been Jodi’s mom or Brandon’s dad. This is especially true if your child was heavily involved in sports or other activities where you were always there to cheer them on.
Now, you’re no longer – JUST – someone’s mom or dad… you have your own identity again.
This can actually be confusing and cause a number of different emotional responses, such as
Anxiety – who am I now that I’m not just someone’s parent anymore?
Depression – empty nest syndrome, worries about being alone, and even thoughts about death and the finality of life.
Trauma – occupying your time and thoughts with your child’s activities may have helped you block out unresolved trauma, abuse, or other past pain before.
What It’s Not
This sadness is NOT a sign of weakness, failure, or even ingratitude. Just as you would see a doctor with symptoms of the flu, you should prioritize your mental health and take proactive steps to help yourself feel better.
Your new identity also does NOT mean that you’ve lost your purpose or meaning. In fact, it’s just the opposite. You now have an opportunity to explore more about what truly makes you happy, whether that’s spending more time in your garden instead of being the “mom taxi” or taking more walks now that you’re not going to scrimmages and track meets.
What You Can Do About Feeling Sad
If you’re still feeling sad about this new life phase, don’t ignore it. Talk to someone about your feelings and don’t bottle those emotions inside. At Mindwell Urgent Care, we offer same-week and even same-day appointments with our team of mental health professionals. Whether you visit our office in Dallas or have a telepsychiatry visit, we are here to listen and help you process and reframe your thoughts.
Other suggestions that might be helpful:
Find a new hobby, or revisit an old one that brought you joy when you had more time to invest in it previously.
Volunteer – whether that means coaching soccer, reading to kids at the library, or helping the homeless, spend time doing something meaningful to yourself and others.
Exercise – physical activity is great for releasing endorphins and reducing stress. Try a quick walk, or even a dance class.
Schedule An Appointment Today
If you’re feeling sad all the time and don’t know where to turn, MindWell Urgent Care is here to help. Our board-certified providers offer urgent appointments in a safe, supportive environment. Whether you prefer in-person visits at our Dallas, TX, office or virtual telepsychiatry appointments from your home in Texas, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Florida, or Kansas, we can work with you. Contact us today or hit Schedule Now to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.
Safety Information
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. MindWell Urgent Care provides urgent psychiatric care but is not a crisis or inpatient facility.