Stress in Retirement Is Normal: 5 Causes and How to Deal

Most people talk about retirement as a shiny, sunny chapter of your life in which you no longer have to clock into work, answer to a boss, or spend 40 hours a week working for The Man. For many retirees, however, retirement turns out to be less pleasant than they expected.

It turns out, stress and depression during retirement are pretty normal. It’s a major life transition, which is unsettling in itself for people who struggle with change, and it brings with it many challenges that some may not be ready to deal with. Most people enjoy their retirement — eventually, at least. In this video, learn some common reasons your mental health may take a hit during retirement.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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