You have been working hard for what feels like your whole life, but before you know it, retirement is right around the corner. While retirement may sound exciting and relaxing, it can also leave you feeling anxious, uncertain, or worried. If you are feeling nervous, you aren’t alone.

It’s “normal” to feel worried about a change as big as retirement. It can leave you feeling unsure because it means something new or uncertain– you aren’t completely sure what to expect. These emotions may be amplified by additional worries relating to finances, relationships, or future plans.

It is very common to feel nervous or unsure about retirement. This may be the perfect time to seek out a therapist to process these emotions. Seeing a counselor might be helpful because people can be more susceptible to depression and anxiety during big changes in their lives. It may be best to address these feelings and concerns before they become too big for you to manage alone.

Venturing into the Unknown

Retirement can be like venturing into an uncharted territory. After years of working, you have likely become comfortable in the routine of your job. Despite the challenges or frustrations associated with it, you likely know what to expect and how things will go. You may have felt like you were a part of something important and big. It may have been a source of your motivation and fulfillment.

Leaving it all behind can feel scary. It may feel like you are transitioning into a different world. While you may have been preparing for retirement in recent years, you may feel nervous about the uncertainty of what’s next. You may be unsure of whether this is truly the right time. Are you ready to face the challenges and unknowns of retirement?

Physical Changes May Add Stress

Some people facing retirement may feel past their physical prime. You may be doing your best to stay healthy and active, but changes are inevitable. Aging can leave you feeling different, your body may not work the way it did before. Some tasks or activities may feel more challenging than before. These physical changes may mean you have to change parts of your lifestyle.

Without a job to go to, the prospect of days without structure may feel daunting. It could be helpful to establish a routine. If you have always been productive, active and independent, all these changes can hit you hard. You may have difficulty adjusting to retirement and aging.

The Fears that Come with Retirement

Aside from the physical and lifestyle changes, adults nearing retirement have other fears, including financial insecurity, boredom, loss of purpose, and loss of relevance.

Outliving your savings can be a logical reason to worry. You may need to adjust your monthly budget and spending habits to ensure you can continue to live comfortably. You may feel worried that you aren’t financially ready to retire.

Years of productivity and having a structured life may have resulted in you feeling defined by your work. If this sounds familiar, it is understandable to fear “losing” this part of your identity. You may worry that you will feel like an outsider and no longer part of the elite club that was your career.

Declining Self-esteem and Confidence

Ending your career may lead to a decline in your own self-confidence. It is common for adults to feel more insecure about themselves, their abilities, and their future as they age.

Depression and Anxiety: Complicating Retirement

All the changes and challenges of retirement can take a toll on your emotional health, making adjusting more difficult, especially during the transition period. You may notice an increase in feeling down, worried, uncertain, or unsure of yourself. These could be related to an underlying condition, such as depression and/or anxiety. Studies have shown that retirement can increase your risk of clinical depression. Anxiety is also common among retirees. Therapy can help relieve these symptoms during this time of uncertainty.

Enjoying the Benefits of Retirement

Retirement and aging are inevitable, and worry is natural. For some, retiring can be more complicated by depression and/or anxiety, or by a decline in their health, self-esteem and confidence. In this case, it can be helpful to seek professional help from an understanding counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Pinehurst, NC.

If adjusting to your retirement is causing you a great deal of worry, talking to a therapist can help. If you have symptoms of depression or anxiety, adjusting to this change may be extra challenging. A professional can help you work through these emotions and this transition in your life.

Like every milestone in your life, retirement can have its benefits. Let us help you appreciate the brighter side of this stage in your life. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Pinehurst, NC today!