If you are somewhere between your mid-30s to late 50s, you may find yourself doing things that were never from your interests before. For example, travel with the last penny in your wallet or lose all your money in a kasyno online game.
If this happens, you are probably experiencing a midlife crisis. To be clear, not everyone experiences this crisis. Also, people can behave differently and do different things to respond to this crisis. However, it is important to say that this is not a kind of illness to worry about. It is just about a change in the way of thinking and, consequently, the emotions.
Causes of the Midlife Crisis
As mentioned, it is not an illness. So, there is no diagnosis for this change. However, many psychologists believe it is because of ageing. People can see the ageing process at this age manifested in changes in how they look and how their body is. Moreover, when some people develop age-related illnesses or cannot do the same physical activities they used to do, this may foster the crisis.
Another reason for this crisis is that social roles and responsibilities constantly change as one grows older. For example, parents see their children as teenagers or even adults. Other people find themselves having to care for their ageing parents. This change in the social role makes people feel different and, thus, react differently.
How do Different People React to the Midlife Crisis?
Some people can feel bad about this stage in their life. They become depressed and feel like they have lost so many opportunities. Further, they are not able to catch up with any upcoming chances out of feeling like they are old to do so.
Other people can take this stage in their life as a reflection on their past deeds. They look back on what they have achieved and what not. Then, they start planning and organizing themselves to achieve what is left. However, reflection on past life may lead to regretting some actions they did or didn’t do. Yet, they cannot change this now, so they feel depressed or regretful.
Whereas the most optimistic people will pass by this stage in their life as any other stage. They will try to accomplish more goals and objectives. Also, their goals will always be something related to enjoying life and living every moment.
How to Live the Midlife Crisis?
First, you need to know that it is not necessary to have negative feelings at this stage. If you don’t feel the changes, then you don’t need to have professional assistance. On the other hand, if your feelings and ideas brought about very negative consequences, you need to seek a professional.
Also, whatever you feel like doing is ok as long as it is within limits — for example, being more spiritual and ditching some responsibilities to help others. All that makes you feel good is ok.
A midlife crisis is nothing to be ashamed of. It is acceptable to get depressed at some point in your life. Don’t try to hide your feelings or react as if nothing is wrong with you. Even the highest achievers can experience it. So, always seek help when you feel negative, and you cannot manage it.
