Midlife crisis is an expression that has become incredibly stereotypical. People from 30 years old justify their “strange” behavior to them. The first betrayals, Botox injections, atypical purchases, dismissal, other impulsive actions – men and women from 37 to 50 need to change something. But what if a midlife crisis is depression, because many feel depressed and confused?
In recent years, in the West, instead of “crisis”, they began to say “change”, “stage”, which more clearly reflects the peculiarity of this time. Although people feel depressed and anxious, at the same time there is a feeling that life is changing in a positive direction, new opportunities are opening up.
This stage can be tied to key events in life. Anniversary, creation by the youngest child of his own family, death of parents or first illnesses, hormonal changes trigger a “crisis”.
When a midlife crisis hits, men and women take it as their last chance to prove something.
When a midlife crisis hits, men and women take it as their last chance to prove something. Men buy a “red Ferrari” (or its expensive counterparts – watches, smartphones, suits), women wear braces to say to themselves and the world: “I still have what I can!”
Differences between the sexes are most likely the result of social rules and roles, rather than innate gender differences. For example, in the west, many women re-enter university at the same time as younger children. The middle age for them is a chance to realize themselves in a profession that they paused when they started a family.
How to Distinguish Midlife Crisis from Depression
In order to successfully pass the middle age stage, a reassessment of values is needed. Both men and women set new priorities and find in life what they are interested in and enjoy at this stage.
When a person does not find new goals and guidelines for himself , this is most likely depression.
Remember, in addition to being in a bad mood, the signs of depression are as follows:
- eating disorders (both in plus and in minus)
- sleep disturbances (both excessive sleepiness and insomnia)
- feeling of powerlessness, hopelessness, hopelessness, melancholy
- anxiety and irritability
- feelings of shame, guilt, worthlessness
- loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyable ( including sex, hobbies)
- physical problems (eg, headaches or digestive problems – constipation, diarrhea, belching; increased urination; sweating, difficulty breathing) that doctors can not find an explanation for or that do not respond to standard treatment
- suicidal thoughts or attempts
If you feel that you or your loved one is depressed, seek professional help . It will help you understand what it really is, depression or a midlife crisis, and why at this stage there are no changes for the better, why middle age becomes a “crisis” and not a stepping stone to a new one. With a psychologist or psychotherapist, it is easier to understand what to do in order to live a fulfilling, full life.