Still, these emotional strains can be too much to handle on our own sometimes, so let’s explore when it’s an excellent time to seek help.
Table of Contents
Signs You May Be Going Through A Midlife Crisis
The definition of a crisis varies from person to person. Still, a midlife crisis is typically associated with anxiety or depression around getting older, and maybe the possibility that one may not have accomplished everything they wanted, or they’ve become too complacent in their lives, and it’s time for a shift. However, the study of midlife crises is difficult to streamline because they are not something you can officially diagnose. Instead, it’s observed as a sort of social phenomenon.
According to the American Psychological Association, an emotional crisis stems from “a clear and abrupt change in behavior.” Some of the behavior changes you can discern in someone going through a crisis are:
- Withdrawal from relationships or their typical routine
- Mood swings that involve negative emotions such as anger, irritability, or sadness
- Weight loss/ weight gain
- Sleeping more, or sleeping less
- Neglecting their personal hygiene habits
What Causes A Midlife Crisis?
Our roles within society, work, and even within our homes are constantly changing, but it seems like middle-age is when things either start coming together or absolutely falling apart. As we mentioned, arises during middle age can look different to everyone, but here are some of the reasons you may be feeling like you need to shake up your foundation:
- You’ve recently become an empty nester
- You’ve become a caretaker for your older parents
- You’ve developed a life-altering illness
- You’ve begun seeing a decline in your physical abilities
- You’re wondering if your life should be going in a different direction
- You have regrets about things you should’ve done differently or never done in the past
- You feel as though your happiest days are behind you
When It’s Time To Get Help
The turmoil of feeling like you have to start over from scratch or that you’ve wasted your life away can take a toll on your mental well-being and signify that you should be nurturing your mental health. You shouldn’t treat a midlife crisis differently from any other emotional impasse, particularly if you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with normal daily function.
You should consider speaking to a mental health professional if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- You no longer have interests in things that once brought you joy
- Your mood is causing a strain on your personal relationships, such as an increase in arguments
- You’re so stressed that you can’t maintain focus at work, or you find yourself being less productive due to this stress
- Your emotional state is causing you to lose out on sleep or get enough food throughout the day
Seeing a clinician is doubly advised if you’re considering making significant changes in your life, such as moving or ending a long-term relationship. BetterHelp has excellent resources on how to do this if you’re interested in learning more.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
Aging is often stigmatized, as we quickly transform into a society that praises youth more and more every year. While encountering feelings of anxiety or depression is normal whenever you enter a slump, the further stigmatization of aging can cause added stress to those in the 40 to 65 demographic. The truth is, getting older is a privilege. So if you feel as though your progress or growth has come to a halt simply because of your age, know that you have the power to transform those negative emotions into inspiration for creating the future you desire.
Still, these emotional strains can be too much to handle on our own sometimes, so let’s explore when it’s an excellent time to seek help.
Signs You May Be Going Through A Midlife Crisis
The definition of a crisis varies from person to person. Still, a midlife crisis is typically associated with anxiety or depression around getting older, and maybe the possibility that one may not have accomplished everything they wanted, or they’ve become too complacent in their lives, and it’s time for a shift. However, the study of midlife crises is difficult to streamline because they are not something you can officially diagnose. Instead, it’s observed as a sort of social phenomenon.
According to the American Psychological Association, an emotional crisis stems from “a clear and abrupt change in behavior.” Some of the behavior changes you can discern in someone going through a crisis are:
- Withdrawal from relationships or their typical routine
- Mood swings that involve negative emotions such as anger, irritability, or sadness
- Weight loss/ weight gain
- Sleeping more, or sleeping less
- Neglecting their personal hygiene habits
What Causes A Midlife Crisis?
Our roles within society, work, and even within our homes are constantly changing, but it seems like middle-age is when things either start coming together or absolutely falling apart. As we mentioned, arises during middle age can look different to everyone, but here are some of the reasons you may be feeling like you need to shake up your foundation:
- You’ve recently become an empty nester
- You’ve become a caretaker for your older parents
- You’ve developed a life-altering illness
- You’ve begun seeing a decline in your physical abilities
- You’re wondering if your life should be going in a different direction
- You have regrets about things you should’ve done differently or never done in the past
- You feel as though your happiest days are behind you
When It’s Time To Get Help
The turmoil of feeling like you have to start over from scratch or that you’ve wasted your life away can take a toll on your mental well-being and signify that you should be nurturing your mental health. You shouldn’t treat a midlife crisis differently from any other emotional impasse, particularly if you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with normal daily function.
You should consider speaking to a mental health professional if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- You no longer have interests in things that once brought you joy
- Your mood is causing a strain on your personal relationships, such as an increase in arguments
- You’re so stressed that you can’t maintain focus at work, or you find yourself being less productive due to this stress
- Your emotional state is causing you to lose out on sleep or get enough food throughout the day
Seeing a clinician is doubly advised if you’re considering making significant changes in your life, such as moving or ending a long-term relationship. BetterHelp has excellent resources on how to do this if you’re interested in learning more.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.