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What is the actual definition of mid-life crisis?

By Diamond Woman
04 March 2017   |   1:20 am
You are young now, but you won’t be like this forever. A lot of things change inside and around us as we advance in days and sometimes the realisation of the passage of time adds some thought about the process....

You are young now, but you won’t be like this forever. A lot of things change inside and around us as we advance in days and sometimes the realisation of the passage of time adds some thought about the process, the transition between youth life and adult life: Enters mid-life crisis.

The name “Mid-life crisis” often strike fear and is misconstrued a lot of times because of the prefix, but it’s far from being a disaster. However, it could turn out to be a disaster if poorly managed. The term refers to the period between youth and adulthood where the need for self-actualisation and the need to radiate it so others can see becomes almost an imperative. It’s the normal period the human lifespan where we transit from younger people to older adults. This period is marked by an evaluation of goals, achievements and dreams against the set benchmark and against what we would have wished for: A period to evaluate what stage we are in life.

The manifestation in both genders differs; men and women experience it differently. Men tend to focus on their achievements and their innate desire to prove to others that they are now successful, while women tend to look at themselves, their appearance and their sensuality; their sexual attractiveness and what they would do when parenting ends. The events may be mild, it may be dangerous, because we tend to deal with issues differently. But it’s best to know the warning signs of mid-life crisis so as to address them as they occur.

There are many symptoms of these crises; an adult desperately looking for new ways to recapture his childhood fantasies that portrays success and wealth is a symptom, also are habit change, mood swings, sleep habit change and an increased obsession with their physical appearances. When someone leaves his/her old friends for new younger friends, it mostly typifies trying to recapture lost years and the thoughts of death come again and again. All these culminate into an unfulfilled career and this often shows in having extra marital affairs, alcohol and substance abuse, boredom and ultimately depression. Sometimes all these are triggered by a major trauma like the loss of a loved one. All these are flashpoints of mid-life crisis, which if recognised on time can aid in containing it.

Before you can solve the issues of these crises, you have to first admit it exists; acknowledging the changes occurring around you makes you more ready to deal with it. It’s always advisable to seek professional help during that time and share our issues with loved ones who would listen to and truly care. However, moving out of your comfort zone also helps, as it takes your mind off what the problem is. Volunteer more, create new goals, eat healthy and exercise more; you would be better for it. But ultimately please seek professional help if you feel like you are exhibiting any of these signs aforementioned.

Mid-life crisis is real, often misunderstood and most times people are not well informed about it and are not prepared for it. In some adults, it signals the start of decline. Death and trauma may set it off, but you have to be informed about it; once you know it is real, it makes it easier to deal with. Watch out for the signs; take steps to deal with it and help others around you deal with it too.

Walk through life as an achiever, be successful and be informed about life’s issues. With the right attitude, you can always deal with whatever is thrown on your way.

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