Midlife Crisis: 6 Signs of a Midlife Crisis

A midlife crisis is a social phenomenon where middle-aged women and men, usually in their mid-forties to mid-sixties, experience psychological and existential effects of recognizing aging and mortality. Various life events and life changes, such as caring for aging parents and approaching retirement, during this stage of life can lead to a midlife crisis. Canadian psychoanalyst Elliott Jaques coined the term “midlife crisis” in 1965 after observing his middle-aged patients.

Unlike menopause, which has measurable physical and hormonal changes, a midlife crisis is not an official medically recognized condition. Effects of a midlife crisis might include feelings of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality. A midlife crisis might inspire a person to make impulsive purchases, relocate, or make a significant life decision.

Studies show happiness is U-shaped; it dips in middle adulthood and rises again in older adults. Several factors can lead to a person experiencing unhappiness in midlife, including:

• Aging: Getting older is an inevitable part of living; however, it can be challenging to deal with aging. The midlife transition can have many psychological side effects, like a critical understanding of mortality.
• Caring for aging parents: As parents age, some take on the reversed role of caretaker for their parents and elderly family members. Caring for parents in this way can create feelings of existential crisis for some.
• Unmet goals: Goal-oriented people are especially susceptible to a midlife crisis if they’ve held onto dreams not realized by middle age.

Popular culture represents the idea of a midlife crisis with the purchase of expensive sports cars. The actual picture of a midlife crisis varies greatly depending on the person and their experience and can include feelings related to reduced life satisfaction:

1. 1. A change in sleep habits: Feelings of stress can affect your sleep quality. If thoughts of the future impact your ability to sleep, you may be experiencing a midlife crisis.
2. 2. Anxiety and other stressors: Contending with the transition from middle age to old age can lead to an increase in anxiety and stress.
3. 3. Feelings of regret: If you obsess over regrets about past life decisions, it may signify a midlife crisis. Birthdays and other temporal events can make people feel regretful.
4. 4. Pain, aching, and other physical health detriments due to stress: Stress can manifest physically with aches, pains, and fluctuations in weight. If feelings of stress impact your physical well-being, they may signify a midlife crisis.
5. 5. Prolonged feelings of dissatisfaction: An overwhelming sense of dismay over a period can be an indicator of a midlife crisis. It is essential to seek support from loved ones or healthcare providers if you experience symptoms of depression.
6. 6. Withdrawal from routine: People experiencing a midlife crisis often veer from daily practices and self-care routines, which can be essential to mental and physical wellness.

Midlife crises can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to prioritize your understanding of a midlife crisis before navigating one. Consider the following ways to cope:

1. 1. Focus on your well-being. Feelings of anxiety and depression can lead many people to neglect normal or basic levels of care. During a midlife crisis, it can be helpful to make a plan and strive for personal accountability to ensure you are meeting your needs.
2. 2. Look for positive outcomes. A midlife crisis is a paradigm shift that can open the door to new possibilities you may not have been aware of before. This turmoil and upheaval can be the growing pains of a new adult life stage, but this new chapter can also bring feelings of excitement.
3. 3. Seek help if needed. Therapists and mental health professionals can help you navigate the troubles of midlife crises. You might seek professional help when there are notable warning signs, like prolonged depressive states or severe anxiety.

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