Middle age is the period of age beyond young adulthood but before the onset of old age. Though the exact range is disputed, most sources place middle adulthood between the ages of 45-65. This phase of life is marked by gradual physical, cognitive, and social changes in the individual as they age. Many changes may occur between young adulthood and this stage. The body may slow down and the middle aged might become more sensitive to diet, substance abuse, stress, and rest. Chronic health problems can become an issue along with disability or disease.
This is what science says but I am going to talk about what emotion says and does to us.
People who are having a midlife crisis are thought to be struggling with their own transience and, somewhere during midlife, they discard some of their responsibilities in favor of fun. That’s why the term “midlife crisis” often causes people to picture mistresses and sports cars!!
It’s thought that aging leads to feelings of depression, remorse, and anxiety. And a midlife crisis is a phase that helps people feel youthful again as they struggle to come to terms with the fact that their lives are half over.
In fact, some researchers believe the notion of the midlife crisis is a social construct. And it’s the belief that you’re supposed to have some sort of crisis in your 40s that leads some people to say they experience a breakdown.
Out of the one in four people who say they had a midlife crisis, the vast majority say it was brought on by a major event, rather than age. Factors that triggered the crisis included life changes such as divorce, job loss, loss of a loved one, or relocation.
A considerable number of my friends and acquaintances are going through this crisis. As a result, they are either in separation or an illegitimate relationship!
The phrase “aging gracefully” bears little meaning to middle-aged people. They get overwhelmed while they realize that life is progressing rapidly, and it is half gone. The trauma of midlife is aggravated because they face the death of a parent or a loved one. Midlife is a time during which many people seek a deeper sense of meaning, some people wish to understand what feels like senseless suffering.
You can take some steps on your own to overcome your midlife crisis:
talking to someone you trust,
reframing your situation,
carrying out a life audit,
setting new goals.
But along with that you need to take good care of your mental health because it matters a lot. Being happy and keeping your stress level down goes a long way in helping you live and age well.
To keep your mood elevated:
- Spend time with friends and loved ones. Meaningful relationships and a strong social network improve mental and physical well-being and longevity. Don’t forget your furry loved ones as having a pet has been connected to lower stress and blood pressure, reduced loneliness, and better moods.
- Accept your age. There is indication that people who maintain a positive attitude about aging live longer and may recover better from a disability. Aging is inevitable and learning to embrace it can make all the difference.
- Do things you enjoy. Taking the time to engage in activities you enjoy will only fuel your happiness. Spend time in nature, pursue a new hobby, volunteer — whatever brings you joy.
If you’re managing someone who’s showing these signs, try to strike the right balance between being empathic and addressing any negative behavior directly. Last but not least, go for therapy.
Therapy can help people struggling with the aftermath of trauma, whether the trauma is recent or took place many years ago. Therapy may also help people experiencing a midlife crisis to:
- Improve their relationships with others.
- Decide whether to stay in their marriage.
- Talk about the disappointments and challenges they’ve faced in life.
- Decide what they want the future to look like.
- Find meaning in life’s changes.
- Identify new goals.
- Regain a sense of control over life.
- Establish better relationships with adult children.
Midlife crisis by Suvra Rahman
