Facing retirement

For many of us, our working lives are central to how we think and feel about ourselves. Not only does work structure our days, it can play a powerful role in our identities. Approaching retirement, then, can be daunting. Even though the prospect of having more time and freedom might seem really appealing, it can also confront us with big questions about who we are, what we want and find meaningful in life, and what new role we might play in society after leaving the working world.

Indeed, for some people, coming to the end of a career doesn’t just mean stopping working; it means losing touch with colleagues, no longer being part of a familiar team, losing a sense of being important or needed, and facing worries about ageing and mortality. While some people will happily wave goodbye to work and jump eagerly into new activities, groups, and interests, some find that they don’t quite know what to do with themselves. In our culture, where work is so often used as a measure of someone’s value, retiring can even feel like taking a step down or being diminished in some way, rather than the start of a different phase of life with new possibilities and opportunities.

Confronting all of this can create anxiety – sometimes deep anxiety – as well as self-doubt, loss of confidence, and depression. Being able to talk to a therapist can make a huge difference, and can support the person to engage in this new life stage with less fear and sadness, and more hopefulness, confidence and even excitement about the possibilities.

Therapy can provide us with greater insight as well as practical techniques for managing anxiety and feelings of sadness, loss, or uncertainty. It can also support us to reconsider our values and what’s important to us and to find new ways to engage with life and the world that are more aligned to those values.

At the Meyer Therapy Practice we have highly experienced therapists that could offer you the support and skills to manage difficult feelings you might have in relation to retirement. If you are struggling with any of these don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer a friendly and warm free phone consultation so you can tell us how you are struggling and we will match you up with a suitable therapist.