Midlife crisis is a bitter reality for those who are affected by it. Read on to learn more about the symptoms associated with it.

Common Midlife Crisis Symptoms

There was a time in decades past, where midlife crisis symptoms were dismissed as a myth or just another ailment. However, in recent times, it has been recognized as something, which needs to be examined, as it has the potential to cause damage to a person. Midlife crisis refers to behavioral changes or emotional upheavals that occur in some people between the ages of thirty and sixty. Both, men as well as women can experience these symptoms. In simple terms, it can be described to be similar to “withdrawal symptoms” of youth. There are many factors that contribute to a person going through midlife crisis. It could start off with something simple. For example, you could be nearing middle age and just sitting and contemplating your life. And then all of a sudden, you start feeling that you haven’t accomplished much. This feeling could be the base on which many other triggers could work to make things worse. These triggers could be deteriorating relationships, career setbacks, weight issues, ill health, menopause, andropause, bereavement, children leaving home or financial concerns. The symptoms of midlife crisis range over a huge spectrum of behavioral and emotional turmoil. In men, these symptoms usually take around 3 to 10 years to subside and 2 to 5 years for them to subside in women. Read on to know common midlife crisis symptoms. 
 
 
Signs & Symptoms Of Midlife Crisis 
  • A general feeling of being unhappy with life.
  • Discontentment with your lifestyle (which might have been good enough for years).
  • A feeling that old age is drawing nearer and that youth is passing away.
  • A feeling of boredom of life in general.
  • Uncertainty about decisions made years ago.
  • A feeling of having lost the value and quality of marital relationships.
  • Wish to have a new, more exciting, intimate relationship.
  • Feeling of being overwhelmed with all that’s going on.
  • Irritation with the spouse and children, blaming them for tying you down.
  • A feeling of having lost your anchorage with the things that matter the most to you.
  • Loss of identity.
  • The value and meaning of your life begin to get questioned.
  • You feel out of control.
  • Feelings of bewilderment.
  • Excessive concern about health or age.
  • Tiredness and general feelings of being unwell.
  • Morbid obsession with mortality.
  • Regrets about life in general.
  • Feeling that you have been living in a shadow and that your talents have gone unrecognized.
  • High stress levels.
  • Re-thinking of old unresolved issues from the past.
  • Depression and anxiety.
  • Extreme restlessness.
  • Wishing to withdraw into your own shell.
  • Low self-confidence and self-worth.
  • Trying to dress so that you look ridiculously young.
  • A doubt whether all that you have done so far is really worth it.
  • Uncertain about what to do and what direction to take for the future. 
Extreme Midlife Crisis Symptoms 
  • Excessive attention to physical appearance and looks.
  • A spending spree – excessive purchases of expensive things such as motorbikes, sports cars, jewelry, tattoos, and gadgets.
  • Alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or over eating.

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