As most of you now know, I CHOOSE to take the month of August/early September away from work to re-energize and to re-assess ME. I examine my own sense of purpose and where I am planning my life for the foreseeable future. It is mostly a month for ME but shared with my friends and family.
However, one of my friends, who will remain nameless has been really struggling with her own midlife crisis. These challenges include empty nest syndrome, her anxiety for the change in her physical appearance (she is gorgeous) and the dreaded menopause leaving her feeling irritable, angry, and tired.
Everyday millions of aging people deal with stressful issues. Those in their forties and fifties are at a higher risk due to midlife crisis. A midlife crisis is a very normal occurrence in the lives of most people.
External factors can aggravate even the most confidential situations. The stress and discontent associated with a midlife crisis can cause confusion and depression. It is important to recognize the symptoms of both. While a midlife crisis is a perfectly normal occurrence, depression can often be avoided without medical help.
A midlife crisis is a time of re-evaluation in a person’s life. Often, discontent is on the horizon. As someone goes through a time of questioning everything they have ever done, they become vulnerable. They are more susceptible to outside influences in this weakened state.
The midlife crisis is a time of change. There is a gap between the time when old patterns are done away with, and the new ones that have yet to take hold. It is during this gap in time that someone is predisposed to become anxious. There is a great deal of stress that comes along with the unknown, it is uncomfortable and unreliable.
People get complacent in their everyday routines. Everyday routines bring a certain level of comfort and convenience. When those routines are interrupted, so are the comfort levels. Uncertainty gives way to stress. A person in the middle of a midlife crisis is dealing with a massive amount of uncertainty, and therefore, stress. It is no wonder that many times challenging problems set in with lack of self-identity and sense of purpose being questioned.
Fun is almost never used to describe a midlife crisis. While stress and depression are usually a natural part of it, they should be short-lived. It is natural to want to buy something new or simplify your life. In contrary, constant overspending or unexpected bouts of anger may be a cry for professional help. Embarrassment will keep someone from asking for help even when they know it may be necessary.
A midlife crisis can last some time and can be an accumulation of events. They are experienced by both men and women alike. Once a person has moved past their midlife crisis, they recollect past events with humour and plan for the happy times to enjoy in the future.
To quote the comment from my friend the other day.
“I FEEL IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE AND AM NOW CLEAR ON MY GOALS AND VISION FOR THE FUTURE” …How rewarding is that to hear!
I specialize in helping clients “thrive and not just survive in midlife.” I can show you the obstacles to overcome and the strategies to implement to make life more comfortable for you, and your loved ones.
I love to hear your comments or do ask questions:
01530 589216