Midlife crises are a normal part of life's journey. However, maybe many of us don't really understand what a midlife crisis really is, what causes it, and how to deal with it. For more details, see this article.
Midlife crisis is a period when someone in their 40s-50s feels worried, confused, or afraid of the fact that their life is getting closer to old age, while on the other hand they want to feel young again.
Although often mistaken for second puberty, this condition is generally characterized by restlessness, doubt, fatigue, feeling like a failure, neglecting personal hygiene, sleep disturbances, weight gain or loss, and mood swings that are prone to drastic changes, such as anger, sad and worried.
Recognize the Causes of the Midlife Crisis
There are several factors that often trigger a midlife crisis, including:
1. Career worries
In the midlife crisis phase, adults are generally more likely to question what their life would be like if they took a different career path, or they look back on what they have done so far.
This can then make some people regret not choosing a different career or not creating the life they once dreamed of. If not controlled, the emotions that arise as a result of these thoughts can cause stress, discomfort, and inner anxiety.
2. Many burdens borne
In addition to career problems, a person can experience a midlife crisis because of the many burdens they carry, such as caring for a parent who is already sick, taking care of a young child, or paying a lot of bills and debts.
The sheer amount of burden tends to make a person look back on his previous life and think that he could actually be happier if he made major changes. These thoughts can then lead to financial anxiety and anxiety in midlife.
3. There are many changes in life
By the time a person reaches middle age, he may experience many changes in his life that can trigger deep trauma, such as the death of a family member, divorce, termination of employment, loss of fertility, or menopause.
Some of these changes can make a person continue to feel sad, anxious, unmotivated, to begin to question his life choices, especially if he experiences failure in marriage.
4. Decreased physical ability
Starting from an illness or a decrease in physical ability can also trigger a midlife crisis. In this phase, some people may feel that their youth has passed too quickly so they want to go back to the old days.
This is what can cause people experiencing a midlife crisis to act like people in their 20s.
How to Deal with Midlife Crisis
It's actually natural for you to have a midlife crisis. However, this should not be taken lightly, because if not handled wisely, midlife crisis can lead to depression or anxiety disorders. To deal with the midlife crisis, there are several things that can be done, including:
- Re-evaluate life choices and determine what feels really right to do.
- Trying to take a step towards a new future. For example, following workshop or a certain class and open a new business.
- Take the time to think and plan your life in stages.
- Spend time on vacation and relaxation in nature, such as sitting by the beach, strolling around the trees, or exercising outdoors.
Midlife crisis is not always interpreted negatively. In this phase, it might be a good opportunity for you to get to know yourself and the wider world, and explore creative ideas or new ideas. That way, the midlife crisis can be handled properly and it will have a positive impact in the future.
The midlife crisis can indeed be a very tough time, even for people who have a strong mentality though. Therefore, if you are still having trouble dealing with a midlife crisis, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist.
