Throughout their lifetimes, people reach such phases when they undergo major transitions. An example is adolescence when you undergo major bodily changes and reach reproductive maturity. You change psychologically too. And the hormonal changes can leave you confused and anxious. Although not transformative to that extent, there is another phase when a person undergoes major changes. It’s midlife, between the ages of 40 to 50. Women undergo several bodily changes as they approach menopause. Also, many people retire from their jobs and are no longer in the workforce. It can be a time when people look back at unfulfilled desires, responsibilities fulfilled, and what is left for them in the life ahead. These thoughts and feelings can have a major impact on their mental health culminating in what is called a midlife crisis. To know it in detail, its causes, symptoms, and management tips, Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr. Shweta Sharma, Clinical Psychologist & Founder, Mansa Global Foundation for Mental Health.
What Is A Midlife Crisis?
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Dr. Sharma defines a midlife crisis as a “transition of self-identity, accomplishment, and self-confidence in middle-aged individuals.” There is intense self-introspection on a psychological level.
- In men, it is mostly associated with work-related issues.
- A woman, on the other hand, goes through a midlife crisis due to personal evaluations of their roles and relationships, Dr. Sharma explained.
Men and women might undergo a midlife crisis due to different reasons, but the feelings associated and intensity are the same.
Although many individuals go through it, it isn’t seen in everyone. People more likely to suffer from it include:
- Those who had difficult journeys in early professional or marital life.
- Personality type also plays a role in this. Those with narcissist, anxious, obsessive-compulsive kinds of personalities are more prone to undergo a midlife crisis.
Signs Of A Midlife Crisis
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While suffering from a midlife crisis, you might experience the following:
- A deep sense of remorse for unaccomplished goals.
- Fear of humiliation at the hands of more successful colleagues.
- Longing for the feeling of youthfulness.
- Feeling of the need to spend most time alone or with certain peers.
- A heightened sense of sexuality or a lack of it.
- A feeling of resentment, anger, or anxiety due to discontent with marital, work, health, economic, or social status.
- An ambition to correct what they perceive as missteps they took earlier.
How To Manage A Midlife Crisis
During this phase of life, you undergo major physical and mental changes. You can manage them by developing a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious food, enough physical activity, and stress management. It helps manage weight, wrinkles, hair loss, and memory-related issues.
Although not a mental health issue, if you feel you aren’t able to handle your physical and mental health, then you must see a doctor. Do not brush aside your feelings as a normal characteristic of ageing. Also, since we are now more isolated than ever, you need to keep a check on your physical and mental health and take the steps accordingly.
(With inputs from Dr. Shweta Sharma, Clinical Psychologist & Founder, Mansa Global Foundation for Mental Health)
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