Recognizing midlife crisis symptoms can help you understand what’s going on, use self-control, harness the energy of this period in your life, and use it to your advantage. There’s no doubt that midlife can leave you scared, frustrated, angry, restless, and ready for a change.
Unfortunately, mishandling midlife crisis symptoms can create a wake of collateral damage to family, finances, conscience, and credibility. But this doesn’t have to happen. Your midlife years can be the best if you educate yourself, become emotionally aware, and take some simple steps.
Some may think the phrase “midlife crisis symptoms” sounds like a line from a melodramatic soap opera. On the surface, it may seem it exaggerate the facts and lean toward stereotyping certain age groups and genders. But it’s real, and so is midlife crisis depression. It’s no wonder that midlife creates a “crisis” complete with its own set of symptoms.
Why Midlife Creates The Perfect Storm?
Everything comes together during midlife to create the perfect physical and emotional storm designed to destroy your life:
- The kids are leaving home
- You’re dealing with aging parents or have recently lost them
- Middle-aged men are trying to relive their “glory days”
- Women are experiencing menopause
- You’re noticing the first signs of aging
- You hate your job
- Your marriage is boring
- And you’ve started thinking more about dying
So, it’s not surprising you’re having a midlife meltdown.
What Is A “Midlife Crisis”?
The term ‘midlife crisis’ was first used by Elliot Jaques, a psychologist in the 1960′s. As a result of its widespread use in literature, advertising, and the media, it’s now instantly recognized in the U. S. and other Westernized countries. It’s used negatively, associating it with people in the 40–60-year-old range.
People who show midlife crisis symptoms are known for making outlandish life choices in hopes of freeing themselves from a boring life, career, and marriage. Although some irrational decisions made during a midlife crisis may appear to come out of nowhere, they often result in trying to fulfill a “bucket list.” Men and women often suppress their need for excitement, purpose, adventure, and intimacy for years before the signs of midlife crisis appear.
What’s The Age Range for a Midlife Crisis?
The age at which midlife crisis symptoms begin to appear is difficult to determine since “midlife” and the average life expectancy are constantly increasing. So, reaching a certain age, like 40, 50, or 60, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve officially reached “middle-age.” It’s probably more accurate to say that a “midlife crisis” is not just one event but actually a chronological, psychological, and hormonal event.
What Triggers a Midlife Crisis?
Certain life events can trigger midlife crisis symptoms and can vary from person to person. However, all of them point in one direction – your mortality. Although facing the idea of your own death can happen at any time in life, midlife brings it into sharp focus.
For some, the trigger might be obvious physical signs of aging, including the effects of menopause in women or andropause in middle-aged men. It might be more psychological and emotional for others, like losing a parent, dealing with the empty-nest syndrome, or remaining in an unsatisfying career.
When these issues cluster, it can create an emotional environment full of doubts, bitterness, fear, and midlife depression and produce midlife crisis symptoms. It’s common for many middle-aged men and women to attempt to reverse signs of aging, attempt to recover their youthful vitality and reflect on their life. They often make lifestyle changes, become health-conscious, and think more about their mortality at this stage in their life.
How Long Does A Midlife Crisis Last?
The duration of a midlife crisis can vary from person to person. For some, it can take weeks or months, and for others, it may take years. It seems people who feel they’ve lived a more fulfilling life don’t struggle so profoundly with midlife crisis symptoms. They can make some necessary life adjustments and transition smoother. But for those who view their lives as frustrating, unfulfilling, and unhappy, it can last longer and be incredibly challenging.
During a midlife crisis, many may question whether their life has meaning, purpose, or lasting value. For them, it can be an existential crisis. They can become preoccupied with regrets tied to the past, be dissatisfied with the present, and fear the future. This can lead to midlife depression issues. Being aware of midlife crisis symptoms can help you avoid making poor decisions.
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