Hi, I have just retired for the second time at nearly 67. The first time I took early retirement at 57, but, despite having lots of interests, volunteering for Age UK etc., I found it difficult. I had no sense of purpose, and too much time to dwell on things, particularly my childlessness (not by choice). I was also caring for my elderly mother. I ended up with depression but recovered thanks to therapy and medication, and 5 years ago started part time work (22 hours) for a charity which I absolutely loved. In December last year my Mum died, since when I have lost a lot of my motivation to work, although still enjoying the company of colleagues. Finally I decided to retire last month, and to make the most of whatever healthy life remained to me. My partner has been retired for longer than me and I am hoping we can do more together without the constraints of my job. Unfortunately, I seem to have fallen very quickly into the same pattern of low mood and high anxiety as before. I am waking very early and not getting back to sleep. I feel slightly tearful a lot of the time, and struggle to motivate myself. My partner and I seem to be rowing more than before over nothing important. I deliberately didn't plan much beforehand to give myself time to adapt, but I feel now this has backfired on me. I am trying - I exercise regularly, I have joined the U3A, I am planning trips and meetups for next year and looking into volunteering again - but I am so scared I will never get out of this low mood. Just wondering if anyone else has been through this.
Ethical question - how do you feel about second chance??
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