33: Facing the Three Giants

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

JOSHUA 1:9

BILL (NOT HIS REAL NAME) RETIRED as a senior executive. It came rather suddenly as part of a restructuring and included a generous package.

In the weeks following, Bill’s sudden retirement hit him unlike anything he could ever have anticipated. He found himself getting up each morning and driving downtown to the parking lot of his former employer. He could see the window of the office that had been his for many years, and as he sat there, he sobbed. This practice went on for almost a year as he struggled through depression, isolation, and loneliness.

These three giants are lurking in the shadows for all of us. They surface in different ways. Facing these giants is serious business, and we’re well advised to understand a few facts on them.

  1. Isolation impacts both our physical and mental well-being.
  2. Isolation contributes to cognitive decline and the risk of dementia.
  3. Isolation contributes to depression.
  4. Depression can create a loss of hope and purpose.
  5. Loneliness and isolation can be the result of a job loss or a spouse’s death.
  6. Loneliness can be contagious; there is a tendency for it to spread to others.
  7. Loneliness can also lead to unhealthy behavior, such as poor diet, alcohol addiction, and more.

So what are some giant-killers that we can mobilize in our fight against these foes?

Recognize that these giants are real. As you enter the retirement transition you’ll find that you must face them.

Know that God has a purpose for your life. It doesn’t end when your career does.

Realize that there are differences. There are differences in how men and women experience midlife transitions; spouses need to understand this and seek to meet the needs of the other in a supportive way.

Have a Kingdom consciousness. It gives hope and purpose to one’s life and helps us see time as a sacred gift. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.”[1]

Invest in projects. While staying active with these activities, also make sure to invest in relationships. These pursuits will often last beyond the grave.

Give yourself time and patience. Be gracious with yourself as you work through this transition. Seek support from others as you enter the next chapter of your life.

Questions

  1. How have you faced the three giants: loneliness, isolation, and depression? Is your experience now different from when you were younger?
  2. Review the list of “giant-killers” above. What practical steps could you take to actively fight against loneliness, isolation, and depression?
  3. If you’re married, how can you and your spouse support each other in this area?
  4. How can you reach out to others who may be fighting their own battle against these three giants?