Feeling dissatisfied with your life as you reach middle age? Learn about the signs of a midlife crisis, the causes, and how to find peace in this stressful stage of life. One common belief about this stage of life is that you should expect to face inner turmoil about your identity, life choices, and mortality β in other words, a midlife crisis. Jacques noted that patients in their mid- to lates seemed to go through a depressive period and sudden lifestyle changes as they confronted the idea of their own mortality.
The idea of the midlife crisis being a biological certainty spread. In studies, only about 10 to 20 percent of adults claim to have experienced a midlife crisis. Some people also see a shift or increase in responsibilities as they reach middle age. You might begin taking care of an aging parent, or have to accept that your children are becoming more independent, for example. Depending on your circumstances and outlook, it can be a stressful and confusing time.
But midlife can also be a time of growth, stability, and joy. Learning the signs and causes of a midlife crisis can help you identify ways to handle common stressors that come with this time of your life and find ways to move forward and thrive.
The severity of midlife crisis symptoms can vary from person to person. Gender can also play a role in how a midlife crisis unfolds. Women may be more likely to go through a period of self-reflection as they shift away from tending to the needs of others to tending to their own needs. Men, on the other hand, might be more likely to feel as if their past decisions have limited their future options.
Deep sadness and regret. Perhaps you ruminate over perceived missed opportunities in relationships or employment. This leads to a deep unhappiness with the present and a tendency to overlook the good aspects of your life.
