The midlife crisis comes to announce the end of youth and entering into old age, but there are some times when the symptoms of a midlife crisis are similar to the symptoms of depression, so knowing the difference between them contributes to knowing how to deal with a midlife crisis.
What is a midlife crisis?
The midlife crisis is a stage that everyone goes through when we move from youth to old age. At this time, the elderly evaluate their accomplishments, goals and dreams, and whether they were actually able to achieve them or whether their lives were wasted.
This crisis is a struggle between a person's perception of himself and his life as he thinks and what he wants to be. Some can suffer from depression at this stage, but it is not a requirement that the symptoms of this crisis are related to the symptoms of depression, despite the similarity of some symptoms between them.
Midlife crisis in men and women
Both men and women can experience a midlife crisis, but they experience the crisis differently. Where men focus directly on their accomplishments, and their desire to prove their success to others around them. Women tend to focus on their physical appearance, sexual attraction, and what they can do once their family duties are over.
People who spend their lives achieving their aspirations and goals are less likely to suffer from this crisis, and the issue of getting old or even old is much easier for them. But others who have not been able to fulfill their dreams and aspirations are the most vulnerable to a midlife crisis as they suddenly realize that they have entered old age, and that time has passed quickly without achieving much.
This can leave them feeling distressed and regretful, and it is often accompanied by a midlife crisis. A crisis can take many forms, from moderate to severe, and may affect health, well-being and finances. However, adults can survive this crisis by recognizing the symptoms and treating them when they occur.
Symptoms of a midlife crisis
Symptoms of this crisis vary widely from person to person. But the age group most vulnerable to a midlife crisis is between 35 and 55 years old, with some differences between the sexes. There is also an overlap between many of the symptoms of this crisis and depression as well. Symptoms of this crisis include the following:
Feeling of dissatisfaction in life.
Strong feelings of nostalgia with persistent memories of the past.
Feeling bored, empty and meaningless.
Impulsivity and reckless acts often.
Drastic changes in behavior and appearance.
Infidelity or persistent thoughts of infidelity.
Compare yourself to others who seem happier or achieve their goals.
Extreme feelings of regret.
Symptoms of depression
In contrast to the symptoms of a midlife crisis, symptoms of midlife depression include:
Changes in sleep habits, whether insomnia or sleeping for long periods of time.
Changes in appetite.
Feelings of severe and often debilitating sadness.
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
Lack of interest or pleasure in any activity.
Changes in body weight, whether weight loss or gain.
Loss of interest in sex.
Withdrawal from social interactions.
High levels of anxiety, fear and anxiety.
Crying for no reason and feelings that cannot be controlled.
Thoughts about death or self-harm.
Aches and pains without an identifiable cause, including muscle aches, digestive problems, and headaches.
How to deal with a midlife crisis
Although positive thinking greatly contributes to overcoming this crisis, there are many people who cannot take this path. Which leads to a negative impact of the crisis on them. Therefore, it was necessary to provide some advice that would help them deal with and overcome the midlife crisis, including:
1- Acknowledge the problem
Acknowledging this problem can help find an appropriate way to move past the crisis. Knowing the causes that led to it contributes radically to getting rid of it.
2- Think before making any drastic changes
Before leaving a job, buying an expensive car, thinking about a divorce, or thinking about making drastic life changes, talk to family members and friends about it. Sometimes, an outside opinion can provide a useful perspective.
3- Using new ideas
The use of new ideas in a positive way, with careful consideration and planning, can contribute to improving situations. With change, the effects of this crisis are reduced.
4- Try new activities
Experiencing a new activity and increasing the knowledge base of a person experiencing this crisis or traveling to some new place can help them get out of the crisis.
5- Volunteer in charity and helping people
Volunteering to help others offers a fresh perspective on the problems this crisis is causing. Helping homeless or victims of domestic violence, for example, helps provide you with a higher purpose in life.
6- Create new goals
Taking steps toward positive changes can bring new energy into marriage and in professional life. Make a list of everything that needs to be accomplished in the next year, in the next five years, and in the next 20 years. Talk to your spouse or loved ones about your new personal goals and how they can be achieved.
7- Meditate and eat healthy foods
Yoga exercises or meditation can help people in crisis gain a new perspective. Eating healthy foods also improves your mood.
A midlife crisis may be a sign of old age and the beginning of a personal, emotional and financial decline in an adult's life. So you should beware of indicators and take serious steps to deal with the crisis accordingly.