[Sally749]

I am 49 years old, and have the opportunity to retire next year when I turn 50, I know to most this sounds fantastic, but I have found lately I am getting depressed, I have no idea what I would do with myself. Even though I dont enjoy my job any more, I have been in the career field for 25 years now. It is a very negative career field and I want something up lifting and positive. I feel like Im starting to get into a depression and I want to get ahold of it, that is why I found this site. I am afraid if I retire, I will just sit around and get more and more depressed. I just want to tell myself, Snap out of it!!! So far its not working.

[gayleggg]

My husband had that trouble when he retired. He didn't know what to do with himself, but due to health issues it made finding a new job next to impossible. It took him quite a while to snap out of it.

I would say if you do retire to start looking for something you would like to do around the time you retire, even if it is volunteer work. Don't just sit at the house waiting on things to happen. Plan ahead.

[Sally749]

Originally Posted by gayleggg

My husband had that trouble when he retired. He didn't know what to do with himself, but due to health issues it made finding a new job next to impossible. It took him quite a while to snap out of it.

I would say if you do retire to start looking for something you would like to do around the time you retire, even if it is volunteer work. Don't just sit at the house waiting on things to happen. Plan ahead.

Thank you, I actually have decided to give my two weeks tomorrow, as scary as it is. I have been a Police/Fire dispatcher for 23 years now and in law enforcement for 25 years. I plan on taking a couple months off and than look for a part time job that I would enjoy going to,,, its very scary, but I dont like how Im starting to feel unhealthy with this job.

[Little Lulu]

Sally - good for you for thinking about how retirement may affect your life, including your mental health.

I retired this year at age 56 from a 32 year career in health care. I KNEW that I am one of those who cannot be content to sit home most days and read a book (or whatever ...). And that I am at risk for becoming depressed. So ... I do volunteer work three days a week, some of which is in the field I just left. It now feels like I am productive, but without all the stress I had in full-time employment.

I can happily say I am glad I made the decision to retire but I am cautious about having too much down time.

Hugs and best wishes. You are smart for thinking about this and getting input.

[Leaves66]

I am new to PC. I am struggling with depression in retirement. I am 63, retired 18 months ago, am doing a fair amount of Volunteering with American Red Cross however I am left with ever increasing it seems depression. I fear I am wearing my wife out, drinking too much and gradually getting pulled under by this depression. I am maxed out on Wellbutrin and Lexapro. Looking for others in similar situation. Welcome any discussion on people in similar situation. John