Retirement Anxiety and Depression
To many, the words “anxiety and depression” do not belong
in the same sentence as the word “retirement.” The general
consensus would be that retiring after a long career in
law enforcement would be met with open arms. Goodbye to shift
work, public scrutiny, and the cumulative horrible images and
stressors. No more internal red tape or politics. You’ll never have
to miss a holiday, birthday or family gathering again because
of work. You can dedicate all of the time you want to hobbies,
friends, and family. You can stay up late and sleep in. For a few
weeks, it’s like a long vacation, and life is great. But, then what?
No patrol car in the driveway, and no getting a new uniform ready
out when you are 10-8 the next day. You are no longer “needed.”
The identity that was yours for so long is now relegated to
pictures, war stories and memories. Yeah, there will be the retiree
gatherings, but it won’t be the same. So, are you really ready
to retire? I mean, REALLY ready? Retired Georgia State Patrol
driver instructor B. J. Holley used to say, “It’s not how fast you
go, it’s how good you go fast.” Retirement can be looked at much
the same way; it’s not about retiring, it’s how “good” you go
into retirement.
enforcement, we are innocent, curious and compassionate. Over
time, these three traits can turn into cynicism, arrogance and
callousness. All six of these traits or reactions may or may not
be directed at one’s agency, as well as the general public. With
this, we can become so “ready to leave” it becomes the primary
focus. So, after that last ride to HQ, begins the journey into the
unknown. Leaving something that you’ve known for 25-30 years
you leap into the “unknown” and didn’t have a plan for what
comes next. Part of “going good” into retirement lies in having a
to the future, while depression is associated with the past. Not
having a plan is the number one reason for retirement anxiety and
depression. If you are planning on retiring soon and don’t have a
plan for after, you may want to rethink your decision.
typically negative, sometimes harrowing events that happened
after those events. When we witness others’ worlds shatter, we
become secondarily impacted and even traumatized, ourselves.
We see more tragedy in a month than most will ever see in a
lifetime. We suppress what we see and put it in a box in some
We don’t have time to dwell because the next train wreck is just
around the corner, waiting for us to take action. Then, comes the
solace and silence of retirement. We now have time to think and
ponder about the last 25-30 years. Suddenly, the box we stored
away years ago jumps out into the light and opens itself, and you
suddenly are living in “trauma time” as if the incident happened
yesterday. The incidents we didn’t deal with and processed in
a healthy way, serve as ghosts that can come back to haunt us
| July 2019 | Real Hero Report
decades later. Before you retire, make sure you are “good to
go” and have opened up the boxes on your own terms, in nonmaladaptive
ways (excessive alcohol, anger issues, domestic
violence, etc. are not the answers).
In law enforcement, we want to be in control of situations and
the actions of others. When we lose control of a situation it’s an
uncomfortable place to be and can be devastating. This is not
Staying in control is possible when we have a plan and have
dealt with or are currently dealing with what has been stored
dealing with “it” is by talking about it with those we trust, so talk
to and stay close to those who get it.
With our profession, it has been a long-standing idea that
the “only time we see many retirees is at retirement parties
and funerals.” One of the most typical signs of depression is
isolation. A basic foundation of resiliency is social support. If
you retire, do not isolate and stay in contact with friends, family
and co-workers, both past and present. Retirement does not give
you the right to check out, especially if you’d like to live to see
past the age of 64. Your career was only a chapter in your life,
not the whole book. Surround yourself with others to help with
the chapters following your career. Many who work in law
enforcement only have friends who are also in law enforcement.
category, it may be a good idea to branch out and meet others who
aren’t in our profession. Diversity in retirement can breathe new
life and purpose.
throughout our careers. Whether you are 21 or 71, it’s never too
late to start. Regular exercise can release endorphins into the
bloodstream. Endorphins are only one of the many “feel good”
neurotransmitters released when you exercise. Physical activity
also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and
serotonin, chemicals that play an important part in regulating
your mood. Kill two birds with one stone; exercise (release
of neurotransmitters) with a friend (social support) to combat
anxiety and depression. Stay active and stay connected.
Entering retirement will bring with it, many adjustments.
Some ease into it with no issues, while some have a lot of
trouble adjusting. Much of the work we do on the front end will
determine how successfully we navigate retirement. Preparing
We have to be psychologically and emotionally ready for it. We
must be socially connected and improving ourselves, physically.
We must continue to do for others and live our lives with purpose
and intention. Retirement is like anything else. It’s what you
want to leave. If you decide to retire, make sure it’s for all the
right reasons, and begin doing the things necessary to live a long
and happy life. You owe it to those who care about you, and you
deserve it. You’ve earned it.