COPING WITH RETIREMENT

Depression After Retirement

""Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else." – Fred Rogers

Work brings a sense of usefulness and purpose. The person's sense of self is tied up very strongly in what he or she does for a living; and, with retirement, a sense of loss can occur, leaving a person struggling to understand who they are and what their value is.

Another possible reason for the post-retirement depression could be the fact that that the dynamics at home start changing. Under the changed scenario at home, until a new equilibrium is attained particularly among the spouses and other members of the family there may be conflicts. Besides, the retirement is seen as a reminder of the fact that the person is aging, with fears about death, sickness, and disability arising.

Ways to Cope

The ways to cope the post-retirement blues could be as under:

• Staying active. Do things to keep both mind and body active such taking a class, participating in sports, doing volunteer work or even taking a part-time job.
• Strengthening social and family ties. Visit your kids or offer to babysit your grand kids. Take time off to participate in activities with friends. Visit your local community center and seek out activities that you enjoy, so you can make new friends.
• Finding a sense of purpose.  You can consider doing some volunteer work related to your former career, if feasible. Finding a new way to provide meaning for your life will restore the sense of purpose that you once found through work.
• Fulfilling your dreams.  Most probably, you always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument or perhaps to travel? After retirement the time is perfect for pursuing your passions. You now have the freedom to enjoy it. Go for it!
• Developing a schedule. When you are used to planning your entire day around your job, it can be quite disconcerting to go to having a totally unstructured day. Instead, set up a schedule for yourself, creating set times when you will do work around the house, exercise or do such work.

If the Depression is Serious

If you find that your sadness just isn't going away or it is starting to seriously interfere with your life, it is possible that you need to seek out professional help. Symptoms of major depressive disorder could include:

* Feeling sad, depressed or empty

* Losing interest in things you used to enjoy doing

* Feeling irritable or restless

* Having problems getting to sleep or waking up in the morning

* Having changes in appetite or weight

* Having problems with thinking, making decisions or remembering things

* Feeling tired all the time

* Feeling worthless or excessively guilty

* Feeling helpless or hopeless

* Thinking about death or suicide

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, then it's a good idea to see your family doctor for evaluation. He will ask you some questions and do some testing to determine if your depression symptoms might be due to some other cause, such as medical condition or medications that you are taking. If these things can be ruled out, then you may have depression.

Your doctor may opt to prescribe medication for you, or he may choose to refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional for assistance. Generally, the best treatment for depression will be a combination of medication and therapy or counseling, but your doctor will work with you to determine what is best for you.