It seems the two of you are having crises; maybe you two could get together and comfort one another. I'll be thinking of you. I hope you two feel better soon; remember it ain't always as bad as it seems. You'll get through this.

midlife crisis symptoms checklist

Experiencing deep self-reflection and often questioning your identity, purpose, or the meaning of life. Feeling unfulfilled or dissatisfied with your love life, career path, achievements, or personal relationships. Frequently worrying about the future, getting old, mortality, or goals that feel impossible to achieve. Making impulsive and sudden decisions, including major life changes, without any thought, planning and hesitation. Displaying rebellious and risky behaviors, such as extramarital affairs, quitting your job or impulsive, excessive spending. Exploring new hobbies, tastes, or interests in search of excitement or reinvention. Trying to reconnect with younger days by doing things typically associated with a younger crowd. Facing tension or emotional and physical distance in relationships, along with other personal struggles. Changing your appearance, style, or fitness habits, which are very noticeable to other people.

Read more here: https://mind.help/topic/midlife-crisis/



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Midlife can be a difficult time. It often brings with it significant changes in your circumstances, body, and self-identity. As you move through this stage of life, it’s more important than ever to embrace an adaptable mindset, a sense of purpose, and a self-care routine. In addition, reexamining your own views on aging can empower you to thrive and achieve personal growth during middle adulthood.


Tip 1: Accept change
Change is inevitable as you age, and making peace with that is vital to finding satisfaction in middle adulthood. An adaptive approach to life will help you adjust to changes and cultivate emotional resilience.

Acknowledge your feelings. Suppressing your emotions can lead to unhealthy coping strategies and increased stress. Instead of burying your feelings, find ways to process them. Whether you’re feeling frustrated and confused by a divorce or stressed out by finances, consider writing down your feelings in a journal or using HelpGuide’s Emotional Intelligence Toolkit. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist—in-person or via a top online therapy platform—can also serve as an outlet for your emotions.

Identify and accept circumstances that are beyond your control. If you feel stressed by a situation, question whether there’s anything you can do to change it. Accept your limitations, and try to narrow your focus to things that are within your control. For example, rather than dwell on the fact that your children are becoming more independent and moving away from home, brainstorm ways to expand your social circle.

[Read: Surviving Tough Times by Building Resilience]

Ease into new situations. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by big changes and new roles. Take time to map out the road ahead and break large challenges down into small steps. Perhaps you’re stepping into a caretaking role for an aging father. Begin by making a list of tasks that he needs help with immediately. Once you get comfortable handling those tasks, you can gradually expand your list.


Tip 2: Maintain a sense of purpose
Situations like divorce, job loss, or an empty nest might leave you searching for a sense of purpose as you reach middle age. It might be tempting to conclude that your best years are behind you. However, that sentiment doesn’t have to be true. Use the following suggestions to find meaning in midlife and beyond.

Try out something new. Experiment with a new hobby, such as photography or creative writing. Or challenge yourself with a foreign language class. Doing so will help keep your brain sharp, expand your social circle, and give your life a new purpose. You don’t have to limit yourself to skill-building experiences. Exploring new places can also be a fulfilling use of your time. Consider visiting local parks and art exhibits, or plan out longer trips to foreign locations.

Engage old interests. Take some time to reflect on past interests and neglected hobbies. You might want to get back into acting, painting, bowling, or some other activity you used to enjoy. This is a good way to build a sense of purpose, boost your self-esteem, and meet new friends.

Embrace community activities. Volunteering is a way to give your life meaning, increase happiness, and improve mental health as you enter midlife. Look for causes that are important to you and opportunities to put your skills to good use. You might decide to mentor in a youth program, for example, assist with set design for a local performance, or organize a cultural festival.

Tip 3: Prioritize self-care
Midlife will likely bring changes to your body, sleep habits, and relationship with food. Maybe you have a harder time falling asleep or running at the same pace. Rather than feeling discouraged by these changes, it’s important to dedicate a little extra time to developing and maintaining healthy habits. It’s never too late to incorporate the following tips.

Set realistic exercise goals. If you were never a very active person, start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. You won’t have to struggle with past injuries from sports, and that can be a major benefit. If you were an athlete when you were younger, remember to set realistic goals and expectations. Don’t fall into the habit of comparing your current abilities to your past abilities. Instead, focus on reaping the benefits of exercise:

Sharpens cognitive functioning.
Reduces risk of anxiety and depression.
Improves sleep.
Aids in weight loss or management.
Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and some cancers.
Slows loss of bone density.
Strengthens muscles.
[Read: How to Start Exercising and Stick to It]

Reassess your diet. As you enter midlife, it’s more important than ever to replace bad eating habits with healthier alternatives. Swap out refined carbs with whole-grain foods as well as fruits and veggies that offer plenty of fiber. Look for healthy sources of calcium and protein to maintain strong bones and muscles. Be mindful of your relationship with food. Even middle-aged adults may struggle with issues like emotional eating in response to stress and eating disorders in response to poor body image.

Get enough sleep. Health conditions, hormonal changes, and daily stressors can make it hard to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. But that shouldn’t stop you from trying. Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet, and your bed is comfortable. A better mattress, an adjustable bed, or a new pillow could help. Experiment with pre-bed rituals, such as reading a book or taking a relaxing bath. Make a note of what seems to work best for you.

Tip 4: Adjust your perception of midlife and aging
If you focus exclusively on the negatives, you’ll find plenty of reasons to be unhappy in midlife. But remember that every stage of life comes with its share of ups and downs. Use the following strategies to shift your focus to the positive aspects of midlife.

Practice gratitude. Are there aspects of your life that you’re taking for granted? Take time to appreciate the people in your life and the circumstances you find yourself in. Make a list of what you’re thankful for — your parents’ longevity, your children’s growth, a stable job, financial independence.

[Read: Gratitude: The Benefits and How to Practice It]

Look to your accomplishments. For some people, midlife is a time of reflecting on missed opportunities. Counter these thoughts by making a list of your accomplishments. Think about the obstacles you’ve overcome, the honors you’ve been awarded, or the positive effect you’ve had on others. Reflect on the wise decisions you’ve made and actions you’ve taken, rather than your regrets.

Ask yourself, “How have I grown?” Research shows that many middle-aged adults view themselves as more decisive, responsible, and independent than their younger selves. In addition, self-consciousness tends to decline with age. Take time to appreciate your growth while accepting that there is still room for improvement.

Reframe setbacks as opportunities for personal growth. Whether or not you consider yourself in the midst of a midlife crisis, you’ll experience all sorts of setbacks in adulthood. However, when viewed in an optimistic light, setbacks can be opportunities to learn and grow. If you feel as if your career has plateaued, challenge yourself to develop skills you can put to use at a new job or volunteering position. If you’re disheartened by an expanding waistline, think of it as motivation to embrace new and exciting forms of physical activity.