Many people often spend years imagining life after work, picturing how we would spend our days once we’ve retired —whether it’s traveling the world, spending more time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies you never had the time to try, or simply enjoying the freedom to relax and take it easy for a change. Whilst we are heavily guided to take a critical look at our finances and ensure everything is in order before retirement is an option, we are not even thinking of preparing for the psychological impact retirement can have.
The automatic assumption is that things will finally be more stress free, no longer needing to commute to work, sacrificing parts of your social life, avoiding workplace politics or a difficult colleague or boss. Although the first few months of retirement tends to have this sense of freedom and excitement, it’s common that the novelty eventually wears off and a sense of loss begins to grow as you miss your old life and perhaps the sense of identity, structure and purpose your job had provided you for so many years. Some new retirees even experience mental health issues such as clinical depression or anxiety.
Retirement is quite a big change to your life, so it is reasonable that it can be a difficult thing to navigate by yourself. We are here to help. A therapist helps individuals explore their feelings about retirement, they acknowledge the excitement and anticipation while also addressing any apprehensions or fears. Being prepared for feelings that might crop up will help to make the process of transitioning to the next stage of your life smoother. By discussing these emotions openly, retirees can better understand and manage them. As mentioned previously, retirement often leads to questions about identity and purpose, we can help you redefine your sense of self beyond your professional role, encouraging you to explore new interests, hobbies, and passions, fostering a positive self-image. Retirement also involves multiple transitions—both practical and emotional. A counsellor assists in navigating these changes, whether it’s adjusting to a new routine, coping with the loss of work-related social connections, or finding meaning in everyday life. Retirement opens up a world of possibilities. A counsellor collaborates with retirees to identify meaningful activities, such as volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones. They encourage clients to embrace the joys of newfound freedom. You are not alone, this is a part of life that is rarely talked about outside of the luxury of having so much spare time, the difficult part is almost always overlooked. Let us help you.
HARVEST THERAPY
44 Russell Square,
London WC1B 4JP
United Kingdom
Phone Number: 020 8962 6247
email: info@harvest-therapy.co.uk
