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Tips to deal with retirement depression
Handling retirement depression requires a combination of self-awareness, positive coping strategies, and seeking support from others. Here are tips on how to overcome retirement blues:
1. Acknowledge your feelings
Recognise and accept that feeling down or anxious about retirement is normal. Avoid suppressing your emotions; instead, give yourself permission to feel and express them, says Dr Ghosh.
Engage in social activities to combat isolation. Maintain connections with friends, family and former colleagues even if you don’t see them at work anymore. Join clubs, volunteer or participate in community events to build new social networks.
3. Create a routine
Establish a daily schedule or routine that provides structure and purpose. This could include activities like exercising, pursuing hobbies and reading.
4. Explore new interests
Retirement is an opportunity to explore passions and interests you didn’t have time for during your career. Discover new hobbies or revisit old ones to bring joy and fulfilment into your life.
5. Set goals
Define clear and achievable goals for your retirement. Whether they are related to personal development, travel or community involvement, having objectives can give you a sense of purpose, says the expert.
6. Financial planning
Address any financial concerns by creating a realistic budget and financial plan. Seek advice from a financial advisor if needed to alleviate stress about money matters.
7. Maintain physical health
Regular exercise, a balanced diet and getting enough sleep are crucial for overall well-being. Physical health can positively impact your mood and mental outlook.
8. Practice mindfulness
Try some of the mindfulness techniques as it can help to reduce stress and increase emotional resilience.
9. Stay open to change
Embrace the changes that retirement brings and be open to trying new experiences. Cultivate a positive mind-set and view retirement as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
If retirement depression becomes overwhelming or persists, consider talking to a mental health expert. That’s because retirement depression can potentially become more serious if not addressed appropriately. While it’s normal to experience some level of adjustment and emotional ups and downs during the retirement transition, some people might find that their feelings of depression persist or intensify over time. If retirement depression is not adequately managed, it can worsen your mental health.
