Midlife Marvels: Navigating Mental Health Through Life's Turning Points

Written by Heartscape Psychology Intern, Valeree Soh

No doubt, most people would have stumbled across the term “midlife crisis” at least once in their lives. (Hopefully before said midlife crisis occurs.) However, what exactly constitutes a “midlife crisis”, and how does this affect one’s mental health? We delve into the complexities of midlife, and aim to offer strategies for navigating this wearisome transition with resilience and grace.

We are faced with different challenges and setbacks at every juncture of our lives. This could take the form of copious amounts of studying as students, struggles in finding a job as a young adult, or even attempting to find a good work-life balance as an adult. However, there does not appear to be a “teenage crisis” or “young adult crisis”. No other term is quite as thrown around as “midlife crisis”. So, where exactly is the middle of your life? When can you expect a midlife crisis to happen? Does everyone experience it? In his book titled “The Seasons of a Man’s Life”, psychologist Daniel Levinson (2007) posited that having a midlife crisis was a normal part of development. This is the time whereby people grow aware of how much of their lives have come and gone, and become cognizant of the amount of time they have left. Under his theory, everyone will indeed go through a midlife crisis at some point in their lives. While the study conducted was highly criticised for failure to meet certain scientific standards of research, the understanding of what a midlife crisis involves remains the same.

You may ask, so will I or will I not experience this too? The National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (Almeida, 2007) is a longitudinal study of patterns, predictors, and consequences of midlife development in several areas including psychological well-being. Here, researchers found that while infrequent, a portion of the sample do in fact experience a midlife crisis. In other words, there is always a chance that you may go through this. On a side note, it might be worth pausing to consider if the severity of this transition truly constitutes a “crisis”. Is it possible that simply more time is needed to come to terms with this new change in our lives?

Contrary to how it is portrayed in popular culture, the midlife crisis is not merely a caricature of spur-of-the-moment decisions fuelled by adrenaline and impulsivity. It’s a multifaceted experience that is often marked by introspection, an evaluation of life’s choices, as well as a deep sense of urgency to make changes while still possible. There is no specific time whereby this occurs, simply any time you begin to re-evaluate your identity and purpose.

Midlife crises are often triggered by a significant life event that forces things into perspective. This could include events such as ageing, a health scare, or even when one becomes conscious of the lack of meaningful relationships they have in their lives. Emotional turmoil ensues, whereby individuals undergoing a midlife crisis are frequently confronted with disappointments and regrets, prompting a dramatic change in their lives. However, amidst this turmoil lies an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. By acknowledging these challenges and embracing the process of introspection, individuals can navigate their midlife crisis and emerge stronger on the other side.

Here are three tips to consider:

Be patient!If you find yourself wondering when this period is all going to end, and when you’ll feel “back to normal”, remember that all things occur in time. Give yourself the permission to explore any troubles that arise, and experiment with new and meaningful ways to overcome them.
Seek supportWhether from friends or family, or from a professional, talk to someone about what you are going through! It’s always a good idea to share your struggles with someone whom you’re comfortable with. They might offer you fresh perspectives you’ve never thought of before, or simply provide a listening ear and emotional support.
Set practical goals

Think “In the time I have left, what can I do to live a purposeful life? What are some steps I can take to move towards my goal?

If you experience a midlife crisis (or think you will undergo it in the future), take heart, you are not alone!

Think of it as an opportunity to rediscover yourself, and your motivations in life. However, even as you think about everything you could have done better, remember to extend grace towards yourself. Every transition is difficult, and learning anything new is a Herculean task. You’re doing a great job, so give yourself the time and space to grow into this new person you wish to become!

If you find yourself or someone you know experiencing symptoms of a midlife crisis, consider seeking help from a psychologist or therapist. Our professionals at admin@heartscapepsychology.com can provide support as you move through this difficult period.

References:

Levinson, D. J., & Darrow, C. N. (2007). The Seasons of a Man’s Life. Ballantine Books.

Almeida, D. M. (2007). Midlife in the United States (MIDUS 1) National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE), 1996-1997: Version 6 (Version v6) [dataset]. [object Object]. https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR03725.V6