There are plenty of stereotypes and about what people go through when dealing with a midlife crisis.
But a midlife crisis can actually be much more complicated than the picture most people have in mind. It can especially look different for women who are experiencing this transitional period of life.
Keep in mind that as women go through different phases of life, a shift in the way they think or act can happen at any time. However, women in their 40s or 50s going through these life adjustments may have signs that are a bit more obvious.
It’s also important that you pay attention to these signs yourself. If you’re experiencing any of them and let them go ignored, you could be headed down a risky path.
Asking Yourself If You’re on the Right Track
One of the biggest telltale signs of a midlife crisis is asking yourself deep questions about your life.
It typically happens randomly. You might find yourself pausing throughout your day and asking yourself if you are where you thought you would be at your age. Or you might ask yourself about dreams you gave up verses the dreams you pursued, etc.
As people get older, it’s normal to be more reflective and try to “listen” to yourself a bit more. Self-reflection can actually be a good thing!
But, if you start to let that self-talk turn into a negative behavior where you’re criticizing your life choices, or only able to see "the path not traveled," you could end up depressed or anxious. So, instead of feeling anxious about your purpose, try to find creative ways to fulfill it.
Making Spontaneous or Impulsive Decisions
This is, perhaps, the biggest stereotype that goes along with a midlife crisis. If you find yourself making rash decisions or deciding to do something extreme without really thinking it through, it could be due to the fact that you don’t feel happy with your life or where you are at this stage.
Some women hurriedly get a divorce in their 40s or 50s. Others even consider having an affair, quitting their job, etc.
Unfortunately, these rash decisions can have unpleasant long-term consequences. So, rather than hurry to make some kind of change (any kind of change!), it’s best if you slow down, think things through, and give yourself time to make good choices.
Having a Negative View of the Future
Women experiencing a midlife crisis often think the future looks bleak. This is usually because you’re looking at your past and realize you’re not where you thought you would be in life. Additionally, this is the stage of life when you likely have aging parents and start to contemplate your own mortality.
When you feel like you don’t have a lot of time left to do the things you’ve always wanted to do, it’s easy to fall into a depression and simply “give up” on some of your dreams. But that’s exactly when you need to stop, take a step back, and look at the big picture. Your life isn’t over yet, by a long shot!
Keeping Up Appearances
Women in their 40s or 50s tend to go one of two ways when they experience a midlife crisis. Either they stop caring about their appearance altogether or they put an extensive amount of time and effort into it.
For example, some women go so far as to have cosmetic surgery to make themselves feel younger. But, in general, most women simply will start to put on more makeup, wear “younger”-looking clothes, get a different haircut, etc. On the other hand, some women feel that their life and future is so bleak, they simply stop caring about how they look.
Both of these signs tend to go to extremes, as women experiencing a midlife crisis commonly feel the needs to make a major change in her life. Alternatively, this can be channeled into improved self-care and investment into focusing on living strong and healthy with an increased sense of vitality no matter your age.
Again, it’s important to understand that age affects all women differently. A midlife crisis is just a way to put a name to the (at times bizarre) changes women experience physically, mentally, and emotionally through the aging process.
Remember, the best is yet to come
If you’re a middle-aged woman and you’re worried you may be struggling with some of these symptoms, please contact me. Together, we can go through some useful strategies to combat the negative thoughts that can go along with a midlife crisis.
You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
Related Articles on Life Transitions & Coping
Coping With Life Changes & Transitions
Redefining Yourself After Divorce
Pingback: 5 Ways to Ease into the Empty Nest Transition
Pingback: What is a Work/Life Balance? - Creative Solutions Behavioral Health, PLLC
Pingback: Retired - Now What? - Creative Solutions Behavioral Health, PLLC
Pingback: Transitions - Redefining Yourself After Divorce