Purpose

[Trish23]

I read an article about what they didn’t tell you about retirement and it struck a nerve. It says when people retire many are more prone to mental illness such as depresssion and anxiety as they don’t feel like they have a purpose and what are they

going to do for the next 20 to 30 years. I have noticed an increase in my episodes since retiring. Anyone else have this issue? People tell me to find a hobby or volunteer but nothing is appealing to me?????

[hypercat54]

Hi it is important when you retire to put some sort of structure in place to replace the one you have lost.

As you don't need to work anymore this structure should consist of nice things you want to do instead of what you have to as in the past.

It can be just little things like having lunch with friends once a week. Or meeting a friend for coffee. Or how about joining an over 60's group? There should be a local one for you.

If you are religious how about a church group? Or a daytime class?

Remember that sometimes you have to do things to get the motivation going in the first place instead of the other way round.

[Thankfulforhelp22 in reply to hypercat54]

absolutely love this advice. Thank for posting it.

[hypercat54 in reply to Thankfulforhelp22]

You are welcome. This based on my own experience of retiring. I was helping to look after my mum, and also worked in a charity shop.

I went to an over 55's group and made new friends. I also kept up with my main hobby of playing darts in teams too.

It's great being retired and having the money to enjoy life for a change.

[Thankfulforhelp22]

Greetings Trish23.

I'm recently retired. The first 10 months or so was absolutely great. I had so much freedom and no one to answer to. I could stop getting up at 4:30 am! I'll admit that I didn't really like my job the last 6 years or my boss but I liked my co-workers.

More recently I am feeling the need to find fulfilling add enjoyable activities and ways to connect with people. The latter is sometimes hard for me and was easier in the work setting.

It may take some trial and error to find new interests and new joys. I have realized that the answer is not going to just come to me. I do volunteer at a church sometimes but I am still finding my way, I wish I had a magic answer, but I think you just have to try some things.

It also helps to have some kind of routine to replace what you had as a worker. I suspect this may be a normal phase for retirees, but you can turn it around.