The 11 signs of midlife crisis in men and women revealed

THE term “midlife crisis” is often used to describe someone doing something suddenly out of character later on in life.

It is usually said as part of a joke, but it can actually be a serious event and a sign they may need mental health help.

A number of things can spark a midlife crisis, including caring for teenage kids, looking after sick relatives, health battles, children leaving home or relationship breakdowns.

For women, going through the menopause can also spark a midlife crisis type event.

The effect of “the change” is huge mentally and physically, and the hormonal shift can be very challenging.

It’s not clear who will or won’t experience a midlife crisis, with it often going hand in hand with stress or anxiety.

Depression and stress are most common in midlife and strongly linked to aging.

Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy told : “When crisis point is reached they go through a profound psychological breakdown, often accompanied by symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

“When people are younger they are so energetic that they feel they can do anything they want but a decrease in liveliness makes them notice the limitations on life and their activities.”

It is thought people who smoke, drink heavily, are obese or don’t do much exercise are most at risk.

Having strong social connections, sleeping well, regular exercise and being able to keep your emotions in check will help stave it off.

The American Psychological Association says general signs of a midlife crisis in a loved one include:

• A notable change in personal behaviour
• Lack of usual personal hygiene
• A dramatic change in sleeping habits (either being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time)
• Reduction in work performance
• Emotional outbursts (including anger, irritability or anxiety)
• Preoccupation with death
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Giving up on relationships
• Drinking more alcohol
• Smoking more heavily or abusing illegal drugs
• Becoming obsessed with appearance

Men and women can experience slightly different symptoms.

Often in women it is related to the menopause so that will include the more classic symptoms linked to that – such as hot flushes, mood changes, insomnia, depression.

Men can suffer erectile dysfunction, feelings of intense sadness, have an affair or develop sudden impulses.

Dr Lee said: “It’s hard to say when a midlife crisis is likely to be over but it tends to happen when the person reaches a stage of acceptance about their life changes.

“Although it might be a great shock initially if the person accepts that this is part of life they can start to focus on what they can do according to their age and continue to enjoy life.

“However, some people find it difficult to admit they’re changing and want to stay young.”

She said the best way to support someone you love going through a midlife crisis is to keep up communication.

Talk to the person you are concerned about, using sensitive language and listening when they want to talk.

Keep an eye out for depression of concerning behaviour and stay calm and patient.

If possible you can encourage them to accept the changes they are facing and develop a more positive mindset.