Signs of a Midlife Crisis

Question: What are the typical signs of a midlife crisis?

Noel's Answer: First let me say there is a difference between a midlfe crisis, and a midlife transition. You could say a crisis is a 'transition gone bad' :-)

I will describe some conditions of a midlife transition, and for it to be a crisis, it usually means it is causing serious problems in your personal life, often involving relationships, (leaving, or being left by, your spouse is typical).

A midlife transition often starts as a vague feeling of disatisfaction with your life. Perhaps things you used to be passionate about suddenly lose their appeal, and you don't know what WOULD interest you.

You might feel as though your life is drab, and that your family takes you for granted. I have had many letters from men saying they feel as though their wife and children just see them as the 'drudge that pays the bills'.

You begin to notice you don't have the physical stamina you used to have, and it is easier to gain weight, and harder to lose it than it used to be.

You notice it takes longer to heal when you have an injury, even a relatively mild one.

Sex with your spouse may begin to seem boring and routine, and perhaps you have had an occasion or two of impotence, and it is worrying you.

You may feel more irritable. Small things that never used to bother you suddenly make you angry. Irritability can also be a symptom of depression in men as well.

Perhaps you are feeling some anxiety about the future, or just a general low-grade anxiety about your life in general, and don't know why.

Those are some of the general symptoms of a midlife transition, and as I mentioned, if they are very strong, it is a midlife crisis.

Noel