Life after Public Safety: Considerations in Retirement
- Lindsay Maclean BSW, MSW, RSW
- Jan 1
- 5 min read
Adjusting to retirement can be particularly challenging for individuals who have dedicated their careers to public safety. In Canada, public safety personnel include border service officers, Military members and Veterans, correctional service and parole officers, firefighters, Indigenous emergency managers, operational intelligence personnel, paramedics, police officers, public safety communicators (e.g. 911 dispatchers), and search and rescue personnel.
Many of these professionals have a deep sense of connection to their previous roles and responsibilities, which can make the transition into retirement difficult. After leaving their positions, those in public safety often report feelings of disconnection from their responsibilities and communities, which can significantly impact their overall well-being.
This article will highlight the necessity of post-retirement support and explore the resources and insights available to assist in this transition. Key topics will include addressing the social isolation that retirees may face, considerations in seeking mental health support, and the development of new interests and hobbies after retirement.
Addressing Social Isolation
Leaving any organization can be stressful. When preparing for retirement, some focus on practical matters like financial planning, but often forget the emotional side of this major life change. For instance, many police officers struggle with loneliness in retirement and miss their social networks created within their job. Similarly, many military veterans report struggling with the loss of the camaraderie they experienced while serving. The decline of this support network that once offered encouragement and companionship can result in feelings of isolation.
Social isolation has been found to be a significant issue for public safety personnel upon retirement. To cope, many are drawn to peer support groups. There are many advantages to utilizing peer support groups that go beyond reducing social isolation. For example, while people often receive social support through activities like work or community involvement, peer support groups are specifically designed for this purpose. To start receiving support, all participants usually need to do is show up and interact with others in the group.
Peer support can take many forms, such as reconnecting with former colleagues or formal in-person meetings. A growing number, like Badge of Life Canada use online platforms or, others like Boots on the Ground, provide telephone support. Boots on the Ground is an anonymous Ontario-based helpline where retired, serving, sworn or civilian first responders can talk to a peer support who has also served in public safety. Formal peer support also exists to support specific subgroups within an organization. For example, Operational Stress Injury Social Support offers peer support specifically to members of the Canadian Armed Forces who suffer from an operational stress injury.
Seeking Mental Health Support
Those in the public safety sector have dedicated much of their time to focusing on the needs of others and are often hesitant to seek support for their mental health. For some, seeking support for their mental health can be associated with feelings of vulnerability or the perception of being damaged.
Individuals struggling with mental health conditions may find the transition to retirement particularly challenging and, in some cases, may experience a worsening of their symptoms. For instance, law enforcement retirees report sadness and a loss of purpose due to leaving an organization they spent many years with. Others feel angry, especially if the retirement was involuntary, as is the case with some institutional policies such as mandatory age retirement.
It is crucial to prioritize your well-being and seek counselling or therapy if needed. It is important to note that seeking mental health support does not always mean seeking help for mental illness. It can also be about coping with life changes, such as those that occur after retirement, or developing a new sleep routine. For example, sleep is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. However, many first responders face sleep challenges during their careers due to shift work, long hours, and other demands that disrupt sleep well into retirement.
Developing Interests and Hobbies
Supporting mental health in first responders: A guide for retirees created by the British Columbia First Responders Mental Health Organization suggests an important part of life for many in public safety is that their careers gave them a strong sense of purpose and identity. However, retirement can shake this sense of purpose, leading to deep reflection with questions like "Who am I now?", "What is my purpose?", and "Am I still useful?" It's vital for retirees to find new meaning and purpose in their lives. For some retired police officers, their emotional well-being actually improves after they retire when they start pursuing hobbies and interests that they did not have time for while working.
Many retirees from the public safety sector find themselves wanting to engage with organizations that resonate with their service, such as participating in PTSD awareness walks or getting involved with the Royal Canadian Legion. There are many directories that showcase programs and services designed for public safety personnel and their families, such as Atlas Institutes and The Veteran Hub.
It is also common for public safety retirees to return to work, whether on a part-time or casual basis. Depending on their career goals and interests, further education or training might be required. If so, it is helpful to research educational programs, vocational training, or certification courses that align with their desired career paths, and to set realistic objectives.
Conclusion
Retirement is a process, a significant life transition, and a personal journey, with no single path to follow. Each person's experience will differ based on their individual circumstances. Naturally, this adjustment takes time and requires patience; it's essential to give yourself the space to adapt to your new situation and become comfortable again. The key is to shape your retirement to fit your life, enabling you to live with intention, meaning, and purpose.
Summary Points
Many retirees think about practical things like managing their money but often overlook the emotional challenges that come with retirement.
After leaving their jobs, some retirees may feel lonely or isolated because they miss the social connections they had while working.
Joining peer support groups can be a great way to connect with others and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Some retirees might be unsure about asking for mental health support because they see it as a sign of weakness.
Transitioning to retirement can make existing mental health issues worse or bring up new problems, such as feeling like they lack purpose.
Support for mental health concerns is critical. Talking to a therapist can help with adjusting to life changes after retirement, including new sleep habits.
Exploring new hobbies and interests can also help retirees find a sense of purpose again.
Many retirees notice that their emotional well-being improves when they engage in activities they didn’t have time for while they were working.
Check your mental health benefits- what is available before and after retirement?
Get a tune up- get assessed and make use of your benefits (dental, hearing, physiotherapy, etc.)
Build your mental health support- connect with a therapist, retired peers, etc.
Discuss retirement plans with your loved ones who might be impacted.
Explore what mental health tools your organization offers- resiliency programs, etc.
Consider what will bring your purpose- brainstorm what is meaningful to you.
Make a financial plan.
Stay connected- build social connection into your routine.
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