The Modern Midlife Crisis

We're all familiar with the cliche of the midlife crisis—the middle-aged man with a receding hairline driving a flashy red sports car with a second (and much younger and blonder) wife in tow.

Cultural or clinical phenomenon?

The midlife crisis is often dismissed as a cultural phenomenon. It's seen as just a Hollywood creation of stereotypes and tropes, which are mocked and ridiculed. The narrative of the midlife crisis is strong in many books, TV shows, and online. Movies like The Seven-Year Itch and American Beauty capture, but also perpetuate, this popular idea of middle-aged angst.

While the midlife crisis might be characterized as just a social construct, the experience is no less real for many people. "Midlife crisis" may not be a clinical term of psychology, and it's certainly not a diagnosis, but it gives a familiar name to the experiences of many people. And despite the prevalent stereotypes of the male midlife crisis, many women suffer from them too.

A period of psychological distress

By any other name, the midlife crisis can be described as a period of psychological distress experienced during the middle years of adulthood. It's thought to affect people roughly between the ages of 35 and 65; this is the traditional idea of "middle age", although it can occur earlier or later too. The term was coined by Canadian psychoanalyst Elliott Jaques in 1965, but he was vague on the specifics.

The midlife crisis is a stressful time of emotional turmoil when people experience feelings of deep dissatisfaction and unhappiness with their lives. It's a period of transition in life when some struggle with their identity and self-confidence. The midlife crisis is related to the idea of the existential crisis; when someone experiences inner conflict and a sense that life lacks meaning and purpose.

What are the signs of a midlife crisis?

The midlife crisis is experienced differently by different people. Many feel a sense of desperation and frustration, and a lack of fulfillment. They become acutely aware of their mortality and come to the realization that life, for them, is half over. (And the "best half" at that.) They experience a sense that time is running out, but that their life hasn't been lived to its full capacity. The midlife crisis can include, but is not limited to, feelings of boredom, regret, loss, loneliness, anger, resentment, pessimism, and changes in libido. It can also involve excessive thinking about the past, feelings of nostalgia, and a desire to recapture one's youth.

These feelings can lead to a desire for drastic and sudden change—for a new career, new relationship, or a new hobby; sometimes at the risk of losing something important. A midlife crisis can lead a desperate person to act on impulse; to quit their job suddenly, make a large purchase, or embark on an affair. However, rash reactions to these feelings and risky, erratic behaviors can create even more problems.

How to cope with a midlife crisis

Some argue that the midlife crisis is an outdated myth. It's said that the theory arose at a time when the average lifespan was lower and people's health was much worse. It's claimed that these days, people often feel more fulfilled in their middle and later years. That people see this time in their lives as a chance to finally tackle big projects or dreams they've been putting off. That people are more educated and self-aware, and they are living much more meaningful lives than they've lived before. This is certainly encouraging.

But for those who do experience a midlife crisis, the good news is that it is manageable. With the correct guidance, these problems can be overcome. Anxiety and depression are often at the core of the midlife crisis. Traumatic life events, such as divorce or health-related issues, can also herald a crisis. People search for answers outside of themselves instead of looking within. Seeing a therapist can help to address any underlying issues. The middle life stage can also become a period of growth and self-development. With the right tools and support, people can learn how to embrace each age with a positive attitude, find fulfillment, and go on to enjoy the privilege that is aging.

To find a therapist, please visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.