Redundant at 70

Hi I enjoyed my job but the company I worked for deteriorated and lost work, the result was that I was made redundant.

Even at 70, I could still cope with my work. Now I feel that I am sitting around waiting to die.

I have had depression for most of my life but it was kept in check with medication which now does not work. I am seeing a psychiatrist who is trying different meds but at present feel really low. The psychiatrist also suggested Cognitive Behavioural Therapy but I can't see how it can help.

I struggle to get up in the morning and spend most of the day lying on the sofa, watching rubbish TV and trying to read.

We do not have enough money to go out and do things to take my mind off my depression.

My hobby was my ponies but now I am retired I cannot afford them so they have been sold.

Life just does not seem worth living!

Comments for Redundant at 70

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Redundant at 70
by: Soky/Tampa FL

No, no, no, no!!! Life IS worth living!

You see, I felt the same way. Retired at 65, and moved to Puerto Rico where I thought I would be happy. My misery, loneliness and depression were so fierce that I too wanted to die.

Matter of fact, I drank and used Zoloft, Sertraline, Lorazepam, you name it, I took it. My belly got bloated and I seriously wanted to go to bed all day and not wake up.

But I wrote to Wendy after being at my wit's end. Her advice together with so many fine people showed me that there is another way, we just need to go for it.

So, I moved back to Tampa, became involved in my church, bought a car and now I hardly have time to rest!

I don't eat out, not enough money for that, but I have three beautiful daughters that are always taking care of me and visit me frequently.

Please. Do not feel like that anymore. I looked everywhere for a solution, but forgot yo look up. To God. He satisfies all my needs and above all, loves me like nobody can.

God bless you and I hope to hear from you soon.
also depressed
by: Karen

Much of what you wrote sounds like me. I have dealt with depression all my adult life also.

Now that I'm in my 70's, life goes on all around me, but I just seem to watch it go by. My only child died at 38 of a dreadful spinal cord disease and I took care of him for 7 years of pain and sadness.

I have to say my belief in God is the ONLY thing that keeps me going. If you have faith, turn to it strongly. I live alone physically and only have God to help me. Some days are good and others are not.

I hope and pray that you believe you are fulfilling God's purpose to continue your life even in this state of sadness. It is hard, I know, but that is what I live for.
CBT
by: Nancy

I used to do cognitive behavioral therapy back when I was a counselor. From a therapist viewpoint, I liked it.

You are lucky you could still work at age 70. I'm 66 now and would like to substitute teach, but don't have the stamina.

When I was depressed about retirement, 3.5 years ago, everybody said, "volunteer!, get another job!"

I did look for work at first, but what was really wrong, was I wanted my old job back! So I'm not going to give you that advice.

Only you know what is best for you. If you keep coming back to this, group, you will hear stories from others. That is what really helped me.
Wow so sorry
by: Rose Raintree Arlington Wa.

I am so sorry you feel this way and at 71 I could get there if it was not for my faith and when I retired even though like you at first saw no reason to get out of bed, I made myself and took my dog and we began to take walks and the more I walked and looked around me I saw that I have so many things to be thankful for.

If you are here you are still needed by someone. So for me taking my eyes off of myself and thinking about the people I love and putting my energy toward my granddaughter and my son and doing things in my yard, gardening, painting my house and just re-creating myself and finding inside of me the specialness God has given me and over the course of the past 3 years I am now happier than I have ever been.

And while nothing is perfect for any of us we have to find within ourselves purpose and sometimes that means making yourself get off that couch and do it even when you don't have the energy or feel like it, that will come later as you push yourself to make the effort.

I too have little money and cannot do many things I had hoped to do when I retired, but with time and effort I have carved out a beautiful retirement and over the past 3 years the connection I have built with my granddaughter has been worth all the effort.

Today I love my life and just pray I will be here for a long time yet and know it will only get better. So please do not give up but believe me no pill no counseling can replace real effort on your part to get off that couch and find something you can be passionate about and start living again
Work ID
by: Anonymous

I think that you identified with your traditional work too long. It's very admirable that you were still able to have a corporate life to the age of 70. A lot of seniors are in this position. The sad thing is that many seniors don't have a retirement plan OR they just don't want to think about productive retirement;and the possibility of giving back to society on their own terms.

Joe W.
Redundant
by: Dean Tennessee

I have days similar to yours but when they occur I get up and do something even though I don't feel like it. Sometimes I'll simply go for a long walk and then that will lead to something else. I think the mild exercise has a mood stimulating effect on me.

Other things I'll do is go out in the yard and pull weeds or check around the house and see if anything needs fixing or cleaning. A visit to the library is always fun. I enjoy fishing and often go when it's the last thing I feel like doing but once again doing it makes me feel better.

I hope my ideas are helpful for you.

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