Midlife Crisis in the 21st Century
For many years, the midlife crisis has been turned into somewhat of a
joke by our society. Since the late 1950’s when the phrase was coined,
stand-up comics and late-night talk show hosts have turned this unique
period in a person’s life into a punch-line that always seems to get a
laugh.
In actuality, the mid-life crisis is a very real phenomenon – and for
those individuals and their families who experience it – the results can be
stressful, painful and cause irreparable harm to personal relationships.
What is a Midlife Crisis?
The mid-life crisis is commonly defined as
the period in an individual’s life when they become dissatisfied with the
state of their lives and begin to experience feelings of discontent. The
mid-life crisis generally occurs when an individual is between the ages of
40 and 60 – and causes them to act out in impulsive or self-destructive
ways.
What is the Fallout of a Mid Life Crisis?
Despite what mainstream culture
would have you believe – a midlife crisis is not harmless. There are a
number of very serious ramifications to a head-of-household who acts out in
a self-destructive manner and does not consider the greater-good of the
family. These potential issues include:
- Financial problems. A man who goes through a
mid-life crisis may quit his job without having another one lined up.
Or he may buy luxury items such as a sports car or a boat without
consulting the family or consider the financial impact of such a
purpose.
- Divorce. Individuals who go through a midlife
crisis are prone to infidelity and other selfish acts that commonly lead
to separation or divorce. With midlife
crisis and divorce, it is the spouse and children who suffer the
most.
- Communication. Those who become tangled in a
mid-life crisis are not likely to talk to their significant other about
the problem. On the contrary, these individuals will shut off all forms
of communication – which can be counter-productive when trying to
maintain a healthy relationship.
Women and the Mid-Life Crisis
Historically, the midlife crisis is a condition that has been associated
with men. However, women’s
mid life crisis issues represent
a similar experience, with similar risks and emotional fallout as a
result. Women tend to experience a midlife crisis when their children are
grown or have left the home environment. This leads many
women to question the nature
of their existence. Not having to worry about the care-giver duties of
motherhood leaves many is a state of depression, anxiety or impulsiveness.
What Happens during Mid-Life Crisis Treatment?
21st century mid
life crisis treatment for a
mid-life crisis is all about counseling and communication. Individuals and
couples will meet with a therapist to reopen the lines of communication and
work towards goals that include:
- Regaining one’s self confidence
- Seeing life in a positive perspective – and appreciating everything
that individual has to thankful for in their life
- Open the lines of communication between a couple
- Enjoying more of life – and not dwelling on regret or what “could
have been”
