Empty nest syndrome is a feeling of loneliness and sadness that parents experience when their children leave home to live independent lives. However, there are several synonyms for this term that can be used interchangeably, including "parental anxiety," "post-parenting depression," "parental grief," and "parental separation" among others. These terms generally refer to the emotional turmoil that parents go through when their children leave home. Although the empty nest syndrome can cause stress and uneasiness at first, it may also be seen as a new chapter in life for many parents, as they get the chance to focus on themselves and pursue their individual passions.