The term “mid-life crisis” was coined by psychoanalyst Elliot Jack. He believed that it was the intense realization of the looming death horizon. He also wrote that death is a personal matter rather than a general concept. It leads to questions such as “Did I make the changes I intended to make?” and “How will I begin to change as I reach mid-life?” These sudden changes may make a person realize their need for new challenges or a new timetable, or they may act recklessly and find themselves in a race against time. Mid-life is a natural transition stage that both men and women go through, whether single or married, as it is a focal point. A mid-life crisis begins when we feel the lowest level of flexibility, conditioning, or acceptance of things and life situations in the present that were acceptable in the past. It’s about transforming interests in future life into different goods from what they were in the past. When we feel dissatisfied with our past accomplishments and future goals, we often wonder where the years of life have gone. While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact time or age at which a mid-life crisis occurs, it typically starts from the mid-thirties to the age of fifty, although for those over 60, it may extend beyond the mid-fifties.
Reasons for a mid-life crisis
- Discontent with early life experiences
- Awareness of one’s mortality coinciding with the pinnacle of success
- Desire to achieve unfulfilled dreams or fear that time is running out
- Feelings of regret or sacrifice for others, like partners or children
- Acceptance of mortality and its impact on human life
- History of depression and emotional dissatisfaction, even before middle age
- Biological changes leading to decreased strength and health
- Higher likelihood of chronic diseases and mortality at this age
- Feelings of being caught between caring for children and elderly parents
- Existential crises or empty nest syndrome after children leave home
- Job stress and inability to compete or achieve goals
- Lack of societal acceptance for behavior deviating from the norm at this age
- Emotional instability due to hormonal changes and fear of loneliness
- Boredom with life’s monotony, feelings of inferiority and uselessness
- Resistance to others’ control and objection to rapid changes
- Changes in spending habits and desire for a more liberal lifestyle
- The quick desire for fulfillment of unattained dreams and goals
- Fear of death and contemplative pessimism, or silent acceptance of losing some abilities due to children growing up or losing loved ones
- Late adolescence may trigger fears of losing attractiveness or reckless relationships to compensate for lost youthfulness
People consider it a crisis because it is linked to drastic changes or the occurrence of negative things in midlife, such as divorce, leaving a job, or giving up some responsibilities. There is no mid-life crisis, But there is the mid-life stage. It is a natural part of human maturity. Some consider it a preferred age because they see themselves as having life experience while preserving what they have accomplished and evaluating what they have added to others or what others add to them while keeping their youthful energy.
Some features of mid-life
As people age, they may undergo noticeable changes in their personality traits. They tend to become less nervous and shy, and they develop improved skills for dealing with challenges and crises. With age, individuals often become more confident, responsible, and self-reliant. They also tend to become less self-critical, more self-accepting, and more decisive in their decision-making. Life satisfaction becomes a significant focus for them, and they experience an increase in positive emotions and empathy towards others. Furthermore, they often become more daring in trying new things.Ways to enjoy your mid-life
- Evaluate success or failure to know what we need to adjust.
- make the median age stage an incentive to make up for what we lose consciously and without haste.
- Enjoy even achieving the minimum of your dreams.
- Enjoy working without pressure and enjoying hobbies and social relationships.
- Enjoy the company of your family, adult children, and grandchildren.
Mid-life is not a crisis; it is, in fact, a time of maturity and awareness. It is the time to reap the benefits of past efforts, to let go of burdens, and to enjoy the pleasures of life that may have been overlooked during the pursuit of self-realization and family care. If you find yourself in mid-life, feeling like you’re racing against time, fearing loneliness, and seeking to restore inner peace, we’re here to work together.
