Caring
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Midlife crisis: Have you experienced it?

What is the meaning of midlife crisis?

A period of emotional turmoil and self-reflection that people mostly ageing between 35 and 55 experience. People who experience midlife crises usually have a deep sense of dissatisfaction, regret, or fear related to ageing, unfulfilled dreams, changes in relationships, etc. It often involves questioning the meaning of your life, your achievements, and the goals you set for yourself.

Symptoms of midlife crisis:

Recurring desire for major changes in life.

Emotional instability and frequent mood swings.

Always concerned about your health and appearance.

Regretting the missed opportunities.

Impulsive behaviour most of the time.

Looking for new experiences and validating through them.


Coping mechanisms for midlife crises vary from person to person.

Healthy coping mechanisms:

Therapy and counselling—taking a professional's help to understand the mental state better.

Self-reflection—by writing in a journal, meditating, and trying spiritual healing ways.

Setting new goals—channelling energy into positive changes like acquiring new skills, starting a new hobby, or travelling.

Physical activity—exercising to boost mood and overcome the fear of ageing.

Relationship building—strengthening relationships with family and friends or looking out for new friends or a partner (if you're alone).


Unhealthy coping mechanisms:

Substance abuse, impulsive financial decisions, extramarital affairs, etc. Anything that further damages you emotionally or physically.

Do victims of midlife crisis usually have extramarital affairs?

No! Some individuals do look for fun outside marriage, but not everyone. This usually happens when:

- The victim feels the need for attention.

- If he/she is bored and dissatisfied with the long-term relationship.

- There's a desire to recapture youth and the excitement missed so far.


Conclusion: A midlife crisis is not a mental illness but a transitional phase. It may lead to personal growth rather than destruction through awareness and by receiving proper support.

Why did I post about this emotional state?

Lately I have been feeling lonely. Well, I have been lonely after the divorce, but by the grace of God, I haven't allowed the loneliness to affect me. I play video games (gaming* is my passion), watch TV, and enjoy evening strolls, but sometimes I do feel the need of a partner. I just wanted to know if I am experiencing a midlife crisis or not. Well, I found my answer. Thanks to the Good Lord, I am not going through it. I am not bored of life. I am just desiring a woman's love. I hope I find my soulmate soon. I have been single since 2022. I have faith in God. He'll answer my prayers.

*I play video games for entertainment. Competitive gaming, or becoming a pro gamer, was, is, and never will be my aim.
Top | New | Old
Thanks to the Good Lord, I am not going through it. I am not bored of life. I am just desiring a woman's love

But the begging question is what makes playing video games any better? Playing video games needs that impulsive rush, can be financially destructive depending on the costs of the games, while my only other note is some of those "destructive" behaviours I swear you described are man-made in definition. For others it could be educational and growth, that's how much we vary as people.
This comment is hidden. Show Comment
Ladystarlight25 · 56-60, F
My midlife crisis brought me here...well it's predecessor Experience Project. That led to some impulsive behavior that I don't regret a single second of. It all seemed very necessary at the time and was a distraction from grief and loneliness.
Yeah I’m going through it. Feeling a lot lost. Longing for passion and romance. Accepting it’s probably not going to happen. Trying to refocus my energy on my health and fitness. Not really sure what I want out of life.
HumanEarth · F
Not that I know of, but I'm not your average person either. If I went though a midlife crisis. It would have been when I was a teenager. (I'm 56 now)
1490wayb · 56-60, M
my career ending after 24 years with company and having start over on bottom elsewhere...all turned out well for me. fortunately, i had no family to support
Musicman · 61-69, M
I had one. I retired at 53 to help my dad with his cancer. Sadly he passed away. 💔😥 On my last day of work I was driving through town when I passed the Mercedes Dealership. They had a navy blue convertible out front. It made me turn around and come back. The salesman was really nice. I came home and told my wife about it. To my shock she said let's go see it. We wound up buying it. Sadly 10 years later I sold it. It hurt watching it leave.


robertsnj · 56-60, M
i have not but i have no kids---i wonder sometimes if that is a driving factor . going to read the whole thread though---topic is fascinating
Crazywaterspring · 61-69, M
I didn't have time. Raising kids while working eighty four hour weeks will wear you down.
CloudAngel80 · 41-45, F
Youre awesome!
Degbeme · 70-79, M
I sailed right through it. Didn`t have any of those
HorrorandMusic · 26-30, F
Probably what's happening to me right now
exexec · 70-79, C
It hit me at 35, but it wasn't too bad.
Ferise1 · 46-50, M
It usually happens during the Uranus opposition
When I had mine, I just let my hair grow long. That was it.😂
Levenrack · 46-50, M
@Ferise1 Ah huh.
This comment is hidden. Show Comment
Levenrack · 46-50, M
@Ferise1 I said what I said jokingly, only because I'm jealous that you can still have hair. That's it.
But for some reason, you took it as, I was making a poke at what you have gone through the last couple years. Sorry guy. Good luck.

 
Post Comment