Midlife ought be Priceless and not in Crisis

What is a Midlife Crisis?

Elliot Jaques, a Canadian psychologist, developed this term after going through a time of self-reflection. In his 1965 article titled “Death and the Mid-life Crisis,” which was published in The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, the phrase first appeared in print.

A midlife crisis is defined as a period between the ages of 40 and 60 during which a person may find themselves yearning for their youth while also confronting their mortality and oncoming old age. The root causes of midlife crises, however, are much more complex than a simple fear of aging. Middle adulthood is characterized by emotional upheaval, as a variety of variables and events come together to engender uncertainty, anxiety, despair, or rage.  

Intriguingly, a graph of happiness shows a U-shape. To put it another way, happiness is what defines our youth. It starts to diminish in the late teens, continues to decline in our early 30s, reaches its lowest point during the middle years, and then starts to rise again in the third stage of life. People who live in the U-shaped valley tend to think that things will only get worse. After all, up until that time, it was the general course of events! But then something unusual and unexpected happens: you’ll usually start to feel happier again at about age 50, and it tends to build consistently over time.

There has never been a formal mental health diagnosis for a “midlife crisis.” So, is the midlife crisis a myth or a legitimate rite of passage toward old age? The period between the ages of 40 and 60 is characterized by doubts, questions, disappointment, and changes, whether they are real or made up. Although it seems to be more prevalent in Western culture than in other countries, this is true for both men and women.

What are the signs of a Midlife crisis?

So how can you tell whether what you’re going through is a midlife crisis? The American Psychological Association states that “a distinct and abrupt shift in conduct” is one of the first symptoms of an emotional crisis. Giving up on personal cleanliness, abrupt changes in sleep patterns, weight fluctuations, mood swings, and withdrawal from routines and relationships are a few examples.

The following are some other signs of a midlife crisis: 

• Exhaustion 
• Boredom with things that previously brought fulfillment
• Restlessness or frantic energy
• Questioning the meaning and purpose of life
• Confusion
• Daydreaming 
• Frequent irritability
• Persistent sadness
• Increase in compulsions such as drinking and emotional eating
• Increase or decrease in sexual desire
• Increased or decreased ambition

Again, emotions of general skepticism and unease are very natural during the midlife. Although midlife can be a time of peak performance for health, family, profession, and social life, all of those elements can also lead to emotions of overwhelm, doubt, and dread. For instance, people in their middle years can find themselves taking care of their parents or other family members in addition to their children. By this time in their lives, people are far more likely to have gone through a major crisis, such as a divorce, a long-term sickness, the death of a loved one, or financial difficulties, which heightens their sense of hopelessness.

Midlife Crisis in Women vs. Men

The midlife crisis affects both men and women equally, although for women it is more difficult because of hormonal problems brought on by perimenopause and menopause. Sleep disturbances, mood fluctuations, and energy depletion have all been linked to declining levels of estrogen and progesterone. Menopause can also result in memory loss, anxiety, weight gain, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyable hobbies.

Aging has always been a minefield for women. Women are expected to be young, pretty, and fit by society. Some women, especially those in the public spotlight, may suffer severe repercussions if they don’t adhere to strict aesthetic standards. Contrary to men, who are perceived as more seductive and dignified as they age, many women are seen as less appealing as they become older. For instance, there is no female equivalent of the “silver fox.” Instead, many women begin to feel invisible, unseen, and undervalued as they become older. These feelings of insignificance do nothing except compound the difficult emotions associated with a midlife crisis.

Depression is a serious, occasionally chronic disorder, whereas a midlife crisis might be seen as a typical life change. The main distinction between the two is that depression is more frequently characterized by day-to-day symptoms that last for several weeks or months. Age is also not a factor in depression. All age groups can and do experience the effects of depression. In contrast to a midlife crisis, which is contextual, it is also a biological condition. The fact that a person going through a midlife crisis may simultaneously be depressed just makes matters more difficult.

Midlife crisis and dementia are both conditions that are frequently ignored. Confusion, problems planning and thinking ahead, and daydreaming are common symptoms of dementia. They are prone to getting upset and irate easily. All of these are symptoms of a midlife crisis, so it’s critical to pay attention to your own emotions and actions as well as those of your loved ones and to seek or encourage treatment if it appears necessary.

How can therapy help?

Maybe you’ve tried a few or maybe all of the aforementioned activities, but nothing appears to be working. It might be time to think about talking to a trained therapist.  Clarifying symptoms and underlying causes can also be accomplished by speaking with a mental health expert. More than anyone else, a therapist can assist you in identifying the root causes of your difficulties and in developing proactive forward-thinking strategies.

A word from Ganeshaspeaks

Every phase in life is worth living since you only live once. Life is too short to not enjoy every moment, micro moment. Midlife can be the best phase of your life.

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