What is the midlife crisis?

Midlife Crisis

Midlife crisis is an expression created in 1965 by Elliott Jaques, a Canadian doctor to describe a form of insecurity suffered by some individuals who are going through middle age, between 45 and 55 years old, in which they perceive that the period of their youth is drawing to a close and old age is approaching.

What triggers this midlife crisis?

This crisis can be triggered by several factors.

* Death of relatives or friends;

* Hormonal changes;

* Andropause/menopause;

* Sensation of aging;

* Empty home;

* Dissatisfaction with one's professional career;

* Existential void.

Generally, those who go through this feel a huge desire to change their lifestyle habits, such as spending excessively, excessive travel, quitting their job or ending their marriage, as an outlet.

Symptoms of midlife crisis

Stress;

Boredom and lack of pleasure in activities that were once stimulating;

Guilt for past events;

Social and family isolation;

Mood changes;

Obsession with appearance;

Excessive nostalgia;

Changes in libido;

Family or marital crisis;

Insecurity;

Financial lack of control;

Anxiety;

Depression;

Addictions and compulsions.

Usually the midlife crisis is observed in men and women who are assigned the role of the main partner "responsible" for the family.

Occurrence

Approximately 10% of people experience this problem, being more common between 40-60 years of age  and those having a highly troubled life. Generally, midlife crises last 3-10 years in men and 2-5 years in women.

Features

People with a midlife crisis typically experience the following sensations:

> Search for new dreams and goals in life;

> Willingness to spend more time alone, undisturbed, or just with people who don't make excessive demands on them;

> Solitary entertainment;

> Acquisitions for self satisfaction;

> Anxiety/depression, resulting from criticism and isolation produced by the change in attitude;

> Exaggerated vanity with appearance and attempts to look younger in order to receive praise, for self-affirmation, attract new partners and develop new relationships;

Tips to alleviate the midlife crisis

> Invest time to spend with family and friends

> Play sports or physical activities that you enjoy

> Dedicate yourself to solving internal issues, investing in therapies and self-knowledge and thus being able to observe your emotional reactions and try to understand which triggers generate discomfort, know and face your fears, your personality type and what brings you happiness.

In this way, you will be able to build a real vision of your own functioning and connect with its essence.

Regular therapy is a great way to better understand the triggers of your problems and identify ways to better control your emotions, achieve a good quality of life with more health and balance.

IMPORTANT: We are Holistic Therapists and our treatment is alternative. Even with satisfactory results, it is essential to emphasize that only duly qualified doctors can diagnose diseases, indicate treatments and prescribe medication.

All the best.

See you next week

Shalom!

Debora and Daniel Wiseman