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Depression after retirement might sound unlikely. However, for many, retirement turns out to be a mixed blessing, bringingfeelings of depressioninstead of accomplishment and freedom.Here are five strategies for making the emotional transition, plus info about the causes and risk factors.
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Reasons for Depression After Retirement
Retirement is not just quitting a job; it’s a major life transition that can rock your sense of self and stability. In fact, theHolmes and Rahe Stress Scaleranks retirement as the 10th most stressful event on a list of 43. It’s no wonder that depression after retirement is so common.
On theHolmes and Rahe Stress Scale, retirement ranks as the 10th most stressful life-changing event out of 43.
Another reason for depression after retirement is the significant change in the person’s identity. Many people associate their jobs with their identities: What they do is who they are.Retirement severs this connection, forcing retirees to redefine themselves outside of a work context and leaving some to question their usefulness.
Research estimates the prevalence of depression in retirees at 28%.
Adding to all this are changing dynamics at home. New retirees and their loved ones must adjust to spending more time together. Likewise, roles, routines, and responsibilities may be changing. Until they reach a new equilibrium, the couple might experience more conflicts than before.
Finally, retirement is a reminder of aging and mortality. Even though retirees usually enjoy many active years, fears of death, sickness, disability, loneliness, loss of loved ones, and more can creep in.
4:33Watch Now: 7 Most Common Types of Depression
4:33
Watch Now: 7 Most Common Types of Depression
How to Cope
The following five tips can help new retirees make an easier transition into the next stage of their lives:
https://www.verywellmind.com/major-depressive-disorder-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-5270926
When Depression Feels More Serious
If you feel sadness that just isn’t going away or that’s interfering with your life, seek the advice of a medical professional who treatsmajor depressive disorder. Symptoms include:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider. They can rule out physical illness, diagnose the problem, and formulate strategies that can help you cope with the new realities of retirement.
If you do have depression, your doctor can offer manyeffective treatments for depression, such asantidepressant medications,psychotherapy, and counseling.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Your doctor might prescribe medication for you or refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Generally, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication and therapy, but your provider will help you determine what’s best for you.
8 Tips for Adjusting to Retirement
5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang, M. and Shi, J. (2014). Psychological research on retirement. Journal of Applied Psychology.Koretz J. What happens when your career becomes your whole identity.Harvard Business Review.Pabón-Carrasco, M., Ramirez-Baena, L., Sánchez, R. L., Rodríguez-Gallego, I., Suleiman-Martos, N., & Gómez-Urquiza, J. L. (2020).Prevalence of Depression in Retirees: A Meta-Analysis.Healthcare,8(3). doi:10.3390/healthcare8030321Haslam C, Steffens NK, Branscombe NR, et al.The importance of social groups for retirement adjustment: evidence, application, and policy implications of the social identity model of identity change.Social Issues Policy Review. 2019;13(1):93-124.MedlinePlus.Depression overview. Updated March 23, 2020.Additional ReadingFisher GG, Ryan LH.Overview of the health and retirement study and introduction to the special issue. Wang M, ed.Work, Aging and Retirement. 2018;4(1):1-9.
5 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang, M. and Shi, J. (2014). Psychological research on retirement. Journal of Applied Psychology.Koretz J. What happens when your career becomes your whole identity.Harvard Business Review.Pabón-Carrasco, M., Ramirez-Baena, L., Sánchez, R. L., Rodríguez-Gallego, I., Suleiman-Martos, N., & Gómez-Urquiza, J. L. (2020).Prevalence of Depression in Retirees: A Meta-Analysis.Healthcare,8(3). doi:10.3390/healthcare8030321Haslam C, Steffens NK, Branscombe NR, et al.The importance of social groups for retirement adjustment: evidence, application, and policy implications of the social identity model of identity change.Social Issues Policy Review. 2019;13(1):93-124.MedlinePlus.Depression overview. Updated March 23, 2020.Additional ReadingFisher GG, Ryan LH.Overview of the health and retirement study and introduction to the special issue. Wang M, ed.Work, Aging and Retirement. 2018;4(1):1-9.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wang, M. and Shi, J. (2014). Psychological research on retirement. Journal of Applied Psychology.Koretz J. What happens when your career becomes your whole identity.Harvard Business Review.Pabón-Carrasco, M., Ramirez-Baena, L., Sánchez, R. L., Rodríguez-Gallego, I., Suleiman-Martos, N., & Gómez-Urquiza, J. L. (2020).Prevalence of Depression in Retirees: A Meta-Analysis.Healthcare,8(3). doi:10.3390/healthcare8030321Haslam C, Steffens NK, Branscombe NR, et al.The importance of social groups for retirement adjustment: evidence, application, and policy implications of the social identity model of identity change.Social Issues Policy Review. 2019;13(1):93-124.MedlinePlus.Depression overview. Updated March 23, 2020.
Wang, M. and Shi, J. (2014). Psychological research on retirement. Journal of Applied Psychology.
Koretz J. What happens when your career becomes your whole identity.Harvard Business Review.
Pabón-Carrasco, M., Ramirez-Baena, L., Sánchez, R. L., Rodríguez-Gallego, I., Suleiman-Martos, N., & Gómez-Urquiza, J. L. (2020).Prevalence of Depression in Retirees: A Meta-Analysis.Healthcare,8(3). doi:10.3390/healthcare8030321
Haslam C, Steffens NK, Branscombe NR, et al.The importance of social groups for retirement adjustment: evidence, application, and policy implications of the social identity model of identity change.Social Issues Policy Review. 2019;13(1):93-124.
MedlinePlus.Depression overview. Updated March 23, 2020.
Fisher GG, Ryan LH.Overview of the health and retirement study and introduction to the special issue. Wang M, ed.Work, Aging and Retirement. 2018;4(1):1-9.
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