How do you help someone through a Mid-Life Crisis?

Question

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_life_crisis

I believe that my boyfriend's mom is suffering a Mid Life Crisis. She has all the "symptoms" in the above article. She has suffered the loss of her daughter and mother in the same year, my boyfriend is on the verge of turning 21, she's been drinking (she never used to), she's been very concerend with going to the gym and her apperance, she feels out of love with her husband, and she is constantly shopping for new things (like out of nowhere she just had to have a new vehicle).

Other than counseling, which she is already going to, what are some ways to help her out and get her life back to normal? Her family only wants her to be happy, they want her to realize that discovering herself doesn't mean that she has to lose them and all the other things that have already made her happy for so long.

Have you ever experienced this, or been close to someone that has? What are good ways to help her and support her to get her through this?

Obviosly she has suffered from depression and her entire situation is understandible, but it is tearing my boyfriend's family apart. I want to know ways to help their family get through this... so I can talk to my boyfriend and hopefully they can solve their problems.

Please give detailed answers, thank you.

I don't see anything wrong with buying a new car... I'm just saying that it's a "sign".

Answer 1

It sounds like she is trying to regain her youthful days. And trying to block out some excruciating memories. She needs a friend who will remind her that not all of those youthful days were so pleasant, after all. Encourage her to talk it over with her hubby, after all, he's also suffered a severe loss and now he's worried about her. She is probably drinking due to a hormonal imbalance, she needs hormone relacement therapy (HRT). She may also need something for her nerves, but only her physician could verify that. She has no desire to lose her family or any of her things. She's just on a personal vacation to put it one way. A visit with the clergy wouldn't hurt but I'd make it seem incidental, if I went that route. Otherwise, it may be best to let her come out on the other side in her own way. As long as she isn't harming herself or others, has an interest in life and appears to be trying to understand some things, she's probably fine. We all need a little room once in a while and what's wrong with going out and buying a new car? I'll bet she's never had one before. Time makes you think about time.

Answer 2

I really dont know that you are qualified to give advice to your boyfriend's family on this. It's good however that you notice that's she' looking for ways to cope and are concerned how to help her. She has experienced a lot of major life events lately so her behavior is not abnormal. She may also be experiencing some hormonal changes prior to menapause. Be supportive, compliment her, encourage her to find new outlets like taking classes, exercise, seeing some new sights, learn to play an instrument etc. She is looking for ways to feel good. It takes patience and understanding from family and friends. A good therapist and some anti depression meds can also be helpful to start her on a good healthy path.

Answer 3

With my character, i'd have left. which could harm me way too plenty to handle. How plenty longer could you wait. and how do you recognize he won't have yet another disaster? in case you already understand what you decide on then discover somebody who needs the comparable. that's ridiculous that that's taking him see you later to determine issues out. If I "sense" like my guy did not choose the comparable issues, i does not stick around for a blink. he's lacking out on existence and taking you down with him. bypass be happy. it could harm to bypass away yet a minimum of you may pass directly to the subsequent financial disaster. young ones is a extensive deal and a variety that ought to be made interior of a undeniable count of time. My cousin had the comparable situation take place in basic terms she married an older guy. Now he's historical and he or she's depressed with a great empty domicile. YOU administration your very own destiny!

Answer 4

Well, nothing wrong with shopping and exercise. If I lost my mom and daughter I would certainly be drinking for a while. I say give it some time.

Answer 5

A long vacation and a new car. Two things that will make anyone feel better.

Answer 6

Let her do her thing, and support her if asked

Answer 7

what you do is tell them that your there for them and you will do anything to help them though what there going through