Navigating the Difference Between Depression and Unhappiness After 50

I’ve faced real depression and needed professional help, so I know firsthand how heavy life can feel. There’s no shame in admitting you’re struggling. If you suspect depression, talk to a licensed professional. Sometimes we can’t go it alone, and that’s not a weakness — it’s being human.

But not every dark season is clinical depression. Sometimes it’s unhappiness about some aspect of life. We all go through it, especially in our 50s and beyond, when life’s shifting gears can feel overwhelming. Unhappiness is about circumstances and choices; depression is a medical condition requiring professional care (that said- do not self diagnose- and a therapist can be helpful for both depression and feelings of unhappiness).

I had to learn the hard way: nobody’s riding in on a white horse to save us. That’s tough news, but it’s also liberating. If you feel stuck, you have the power to change course. Here’s what has worked for me:

1. Acknowledge It

Name what’s dragging you down. Is it your job? A relationship? Feeling stuck in the same routine? Shine a light on the problem so you know what you’re dealing with.

2. Take Action

Don’t dismiss the power of small steps. If your job is sucking the life out of you, dust off your résumé or start a side gig. If your home feels stale, rearrange a room or plan a weekend trip. Little moves can spark big momentum.

3. Lean Into Connection

When unhappiness festers, we often withdraw. That’s the worst time to go it alone. Reach out to people who energize you. Meet new friends, attend events, and reconnect with old colleagues — whatever it takes to get you out of your own head.

4. Focus on Possibility

Plenty of people reinvent themselves well past 50 — just look at Colonel Sanders or Grandma Moses. Whether you want to launch a new career, learn a new hobby, or travel the globe, the only limit is the one you place on yourself.

5. Seek Help When Needed

If the clouds aren’t lifting, there’s absolutely no shame in turning to a counselor or therapist. Sometimes we need an outside perspective and a few new tools to break free.

These years can be some of the best of our lives. Don’t let fear or unhappiness steal them. Nobody’s fixing your life but you — and that’s okay. We’re in control of our next steps. Embrace that power, and keep moving forward.

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Make Age 50 to 75 The Best Years Of Your Life! I have found that the right coach can help navigate this era of life. I have begun offering coaching for people who want a guide — but this is not a substitute for therapy. Often a coach can help in addition to a licensed psychologist. For more information about the coaching program I have designed — email me at thom@thomsinger.com.