Most people know that life’s major transitions can be extremely stressful. People expect to be challenged during a marriage or separation. Relocating or switching jobs is also commonly understood to involve pressure. But retirement can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Retirement is far too often summed up as someone finally getting the chance to kick back and relax.
In reality, we live in a society in which one’s career or job is often a source of identity. Stepping away from that phase of your life is not something to take lightly. There will be ups and downs. If you underestimate this time period, the downs will multiply.
Why Retirement Can Lead to Unexpected Depression
The first step is to avoid labeling depression as “unexpected.” Plan ahead to actively safeguard your mental well-being because, as noted above, big transitions are tricky. In the case of retirement, there are co-factors that can increase the likelihood of becoming depressed, e.g.
– If your job was the primary source of your social life, it can be jolting to lose easy access to those friends and acquaintances. Sudden isolation can wreak havoc on your emotional state.
– Retirees who live alone — especially if they’ve lost a spouse — can have a tougher adjustment period. This can be exacerbated if you don’t have close family living nearby.
– Conversely, if you do live with a spouse, you may find that it’s not simple to suddenly be around each other 24/7. This has the potential to be a depressing realization.
– If you’re entering retirement without feeling some financial stability, you may have trouble feeling safe enough to handle the transition.
– Those with existing medical issues can end up focusing more on such problems and worry about related expenditures.
– If you don’t plan ahead, you can slip into a more sedentary lifestyle. This is not healthy for your body or mind.
And let’s return to something mentioned up top. How important has work been in your life? If it was your identity, who are you when you retire? Men, in particular, fall prey to a loss of purpose when they no longer do what they did “for a living.”
Good News: You Can Take Steps to Stave Off Retirement Depression
1) Find Ways to Keep Working in a Meaningful Way
If possible, ease from full-time into part-time and then into another type of work. By “another type,” you can consider:
– Mentoring others
– Doing meaningful volunteer work
– Sketch out plans in advance to tackle a wide array of at-home projects
– Start a small business
2) Take Care of Your Health
Be proactive. Get into a steady sleep pattern. Learn about nutrition and make smart eating choices. Joining a gym is a great way to get in some daily exercise. It also gives you some structure. You have a place to go each day and a whole new group of people to meet. Speaking of structure, make that non-negotiable. Create a schedule and stick to it. Make sure that your schedule includes outings and trying something new.
3) Socialize
Don’t lose touch with your former co-workers. But also jump on the opportunity to make new friends. Get involved in groups or classes that interest you to meet folks who automatically have at least one thing in common with you. Creating friendships at this point in your life can be so mentally stimulating.
4) Date Your Partner Again
If you are in a relationship, re-build your love maps with your partner. Go out and date again. Rebuild your friendship, find ways to have fun, and get to know each other as retirees. Plan your what’s next as a couple and find ways to look forward to your future in retirement.
Do Not Suffer in Silence
Depression is a serious, diagnosable disorder. If you find retirement is not meeting your expectations, ask for help. You’re not alone, and such emotions are not unusual. A skilled therapist can help you get back on track as you turn this big change into a positive experience. Connect with our office today and get matched with a skilled and compassionate therapist who can support you through this life transition.
