Out of the Slump

by Carol
(Surrey, BC Canada)


I too suffered depression and anxiety when I retired at age 69.

Had a list of things to do but didn't seem to be motivated. Would look at the list and get bad anxiety and just go take a nap, ha, ha. I slept for 10 months and then seemed to come out of my slump.

I seemed to have my old energy back and I started doing things. Singing on my walk with the dog (not loudly), singing around the house, I started baking a lot (something I love to do but no time with working) and then I started taking over making the dinners. My husband has cooked for us always and now I took that over. I am enjoying myself at last.

Finally organizing things around the house and getting things done at last. Feeling much better.

Before I felt aimless and lost. I still don't like going out shopping but at least it doesn't cause me such anxiety anymore.

Suddenly I am happy again and I am determined to start loving retirement. Especially the naps, ha, ha.

Comments for Out of the Slump

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Yikes...Retirement...now wa
by: Ellen/NY

Just put in my notice for retirement and have a few weeks more to work before my last day.

During the act of handing in my notice I felt relief and calmness. Then facing my coworkers and informing them of my intent and then watching my shifts being filled by others on the schedule has made me feel dispensable. I get it, this is life and it goes on but it would have been easier if I was not still working there. We are just another number.

This pandemic has caused an accelerated retirement because of family needs. I clearly understand why I had to do this but theres a part of me thats trying to catchup. Then theres the butterflies whats next?

The plan is to continue to take care of an elderly parent and finally get to hold my granddaughter. The pandemic broke out shortly after she was born working on the frontlines over the last few months as a nurse on a paramedic unit. Several of us contracted the virus. Fortunately, I have not .

If I bring this virus home to my mother it will kill her. So many nursing home patients have died, its so very sad. My fear was that If I died, my mother would be placed in a home and contract the virus .

My other concern was not being able to bond with my granddaughter properly. I don’t want to be on the outside looking in. I want to be included in my children s lives and watch them all grow.

I struggle with the thought of leaving my job during this time but we are now over the hump of this pandemic. Hopefully another surge will not occur.

So I finally took the bull by the horns and retired from work so I could take care of my family.

47 years of nursing and I loved my work. I was so fortunate to have experienced the joy of caring for another in their greatest time of need. So rewarding. But I can’t help but feel like my life has come to a grinding halt. From 90 mph to an abrupt stop!

I pray this is going to get better.
well done
by: andrew

Your story is so familiar it happens to many. I retained a part time job [as a teacher] but I also changed my subject area and my methodology all is going well for me at 73. Most anxiety and depression takes time to get over the bad bits. Have fun. Andrew
Getting Better
by: Canadian Retiree

Hey Carol you and I have something in common-we are both from Canada. I live in New Westminster. Good for you for coming out of your retirement slump. I’m getting better. I have good sand bad days but much improved from last year. Keeping busy does help.
Anxiety Time
by: Anonymous

Retirement is it's own beast. Napping for 10-months was your way of conquering anxiety or depression. Usually the transition to retirement takes at least one or more years.

My way of battling anxiety was to go to our beautiful River Valley for a 3-4 hour nature walk around 20 days per month throughout the year. There is no problem if you take short daily naps when you need them to recharge and get back at it.

You started cooking yourself after your husband did these tasks before. That's the first step to a productive retirement lifestyle. The next step is deciding your next goal that is enjoyable and purposeful.

Keep going and if you get tired sometime in the future take a cat nap to refresh yourself and take it from there.

Joe W.
Your hit the nail on the head.
by: Jane Curtis/Hawkins, Texas

I have written several blogs on this same subject. I think everyone is surprised to discover that when they finally do retire they are suddenly not who they used to be. It takes work not to do anything.

I have one, Taking the Tired Out of Retired on Wendy's other web site. I deal with the depression that seems to hit almost every retiree. I want you to know how much I appreciate your message. I look forward to hearing more from you.

No one could do it for you. You had to do it yourself. You had to decide to get up and do something.

You realize the naps are great but being productive is the best part of retirement. You finally have the time to be productive at something you choose for the shear pleasure of doing it.

Well done.

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