Are You Dealing with a Midlife Crisis? – What You Should Know
Midlife crisis. While many of us have heard of the term, we may be uncertain about what it exactly entails.
There are many stereotypical ideas about the "crazy" things people do when they have a midlife crisis. And it's not unusual to shrug these tales off and think that you won't be affected by those kinds of things.
The reality is, though, you very well may be hit with uncertainty in your 40s or 50s. In fact, you may be wondering right now if you're going through a midlife crisis yourself.
If you're worried that you're in the thick of a midlife crisis, there are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward and get through your funk (and don't worry -- you will get through it!).
Symptoms of a Midlife Crisis
As you age, you may feel a bit worn out from your day to day life. It's normal to have days where you feel less motivated than others, but if this seems to be the case every day, there may be a bigger issue at play.
Here are some common symptoms that may indicate a midlife crisis:
Worry, fear, or concern that you've made the wrong decisions in your life
Feeling dread when you wake up in the morning
Lack of interest in your work or hobbies
Desire to make spontaneous purchases/decisions
Uncertainty about what your next move is
Having consistent apathy about your work, your family, or your life in general
Fear that life will never get better or more exciting
If you recognize your own situation as you contemplate these signs, you may be wondering: What now? How do I fix this?
How to Deal with a Midlife Crisis
Acknowledge What You've Done Right
There may not be a definitive way to "fix" a midlife crisis, but there are things you can do to put your situation into perspective.
First, think about what is going right in your life. If you have a family, think about all of the things you have done to support them. Consider your spouse or partner, your friends, coworkers, and even your extended family.
You have made a significant impact on a lot of lives—and that's worth acknowledging. You've worked decades to build your life, and you should remind yourself of this fact. Instead of focusing on everything you wish you had done differently, try to focus on the things that have gone right.
Determine New Goals
Many people experience a midlife crisis because they feel that they've achieved all of their goals, and there's nothing else left. You simply have to unlearn this mindset. There are plenty of things left to achieve in your lifetime, and it's up to you to set those goals.
You could start by taking up a new hobby or planning a trip to a place you've always wanted to visit. Your goals could be even smaller-scale: try to improve a skill you already have, or simply make it a goal to talk to your family members more often.
There are so many possibilities to learn new things and set new goals, so keep this in mind when your midlife crisis tries to convince you that there's nothing left to achieve in your lifetime.
Moving Forward with Your Life
Many people expect to have life completely figured out by the time they're middle-aged, but instead, experience a new level of fear or uncertainty. At the same time, while many grapple with a midlife crisis, a lot of people also overcome the issue.
If you're going through a midlife crisis yourself, don't keep your feelings bottled up. Express yourself—whether that be to a significant other, a coworker, a friend, or possibly a therapist. There is no shame in going through a midlife crisis. And you certainly don't have to live with your fear and uncertainty forever—or go through it alone.
Seriously consider seeking out a therapist to get you through your midlife crisis. Not only will you gain clarity about yourself, but a therapist can also provide you with helpful tips to get over your funk and realize all of the positives in your life. Your midlife crisis is not the end of the line for your happiness!
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If you would like more information about how we can help you deal with anxiety and a midlife crisis, please don't hesitate to contact us.