2007-05-09 05:28:29 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
It's not biologically determined. It's actually a phenomenon specific to North American culture, usually involving white-collar (office) workers. Example: Bill turns 48 years old and has not reached the pinnacle he wanted to in his life. He's overweight, got angina, balding and has a bad marriage complete with three kids, two grown and moved out and a teenager who doesn't listen to him. On his 48th birthday, he feels anxious that he's getting closer to the end and he hasn't lived life to the fullest yet. He takes up with a 20-something girlfriend and threatens to ditch his wife. His wife talks him into counselling and he realizes all the furor is over his lack of success in the business world. He learns to stop comparing himself to other people for self-worth and what makes up true self-esteem.
Or he refuses counselling, ditches his wife and stays with the younger girlfriend only to have her get tired of him after a year and move on to someone new. The resulting stress interferes with his sleep, he misses time at work and eventually is let go. He has a nervous breakdown and signs himself into a mental hospital.
2007-05-09 05:52:15 · answer #1 · answered by Me in Canada eh 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been mired in what I consider to be a midlife crisis for years, now. I'm beginning to wonder if it'll ever end! As for signs, I believe that one of the biggest is a certain, undefinable restlessness. No matter what you do or what you try, you just aren't satisfied. If this sounds like you, then I'd say that you're probably going through such a phase.
2007-05-09 17:42:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As Skypilot says...it comes when our life plans go to pieces. IF we've not made any contingient alternative plans. If we see it as disaster, it can become that. If, however, we can hold on and see the possitive possibilites that could be had from the experience, our lives are often enriched! We can develop new skills; new understanding of ourselves and people. There is some saying---??..a problem is an opportunity in disguise??? Also change IS LIFE!! If we can see change as a natural course of life, then we're not thrown for a total loss as to what to do. We sit down and list the Probs; the possibilites for change/learning/and opportunities. Test one out at a time; switch if one doesn't work, and then keep going!
2007-05-09 06:05:38 · answer #3 · answered by Martell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me it is beginning at 40. My sons are out of the house now. My husband and I are getting a divorce. You feel like you are getting over the hill. It really stinks. Hopefully, not all people go through it.
2007-05-09 05:58:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
by the look of u u haf alredy had ur midlife crisis or are still suffering from 1
2007-05-11 08:13:29 · answer #5 · answered by nathan s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It happenz everyday.
You asking is one of the symptoms
life's a crisis
Live it, Luv it [-;|)
2007-05-09 05:45:47 · answer #6 · answered by manc_ O 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋