The midlife crisis happens between the ages of 40 and 50 with reflections on life. Those who go through it question their personal life and professional success. This phase is often accompanied by hormonal changes, such as a decrease in testosterone levels in men. Learn how to cope.
The midlife crisis is a series of life reflections that begins at age 40 and extends to 50 or 55 years old.
Not everyone experiences a midlife crisis, but those who do, face it differently due to personality and life experiences.
The most common symptoms concern mood. For example, those whose children have left home may experience empty nest syndrome. Seeing them spread their wings and fly can leave many parents feeling completely lost.
Professional life also comes into question. Starting at age 40, there are pressures about success. Those who are retired wonder what they will do with their lives.
Love is another element of reflection. Those in a relationship re-evaluate. People who have not yet found their “soulmate” wonder why and may feel overwhelmed by loneliness.
Regardless of the trigger, the midlife crisis brings questions. It can be positive because it makes a person think about what is really worth it.
If you are in this age group, this material is for you. We will explain what the symptoms are and how to treat them to live a happier life.
What is the midlife crisis?
The term midlife crisis was first mentioned in 1965 by Canadian physician Elliot Jaques in the article “Death and the Midlife Crisis.” The definition is “It is the adult’s encounter with the conception of life to be lived with the personal approach of death.”
Basically, it is the certainty of no longer being young along with the emergence of questions about life and the future. Those who go through this crisis feel dissatisfaction with work, personal life, or both.
In relation to work, there is a feeling of failure in their career, lack of motivation, and also a desire for change. In personal life, questions arise about the quality of family and romantic relationships.
Sometimes, these reflections are triggered solely by the passage of time. The death of relatives and friends and children moving out can also be behind the midlife crisis.
People with this crisis often experience deep sadness and a lack of optimism. Regrets and extreme desires for change are also noticeable.
At what age does the midlife crisis begin?
The midlife crisis begins at age 40. It can extend to 50 or 55 years old and affects both men and women.
However, the urgency to achieve success anticipates doubts, sadness, and worries about the future. We have, in this case, the 30s crisis.
The 30s crisis is marked by the pressure for financial stability. Not owning a house or car can bring a sense of failure. Mood swings and anguish are also felt by younger people.
Midlife crisis symptoms
The symptoms vary from person to person, but there are commonalities. Discover the 7 signs of the midlife crisis:
- Reflections on life: thoughts about work, family, and dissatisfaction in relationships make anyone confront their life decisions. And feeling like they have made mistakes affects their psychological state.
- Regrets: regret creates the feeling that life could have been better. This feeling, caused by wrong decisions, can leave a person bitter.
- Uncertainty about the future: there is fear of not achieving professional and financial goals. A sense of powerlessness about this. The fear of growing old alone is also present.
- Insecurity: lack of professional and financial stability. These issues leave many people insecure. They feel frustrated and incapable of turning the situation around.
- Anger: anger can give way to severe mental disorders. One of these is intermittent explosive disorder, characterized by uncontrollable outbursts of anger.
- Uncontrolled desire for change: the decision to “turn the tables” and bring dreams to life is positive. The problem is when everything has to happen “right away.” Quitting a job without thinking to dedicate oneself to an old hobby, for example, is risky. Changing careers is not a problem, but the process should be thought out and, if possible, accompanied by a specialist.
- Libido changes: as it happens between the ages of 40 and 50/55, the male midlife crisis is accompanied by hormonal issues.
Androgen deficiency in aging males is the reduction in testosterone levels. The male hormone is responsible for male physical characteristics and the maintenance of libido.
During andropause, the “male menopause,” low testosterone levels also prevent mood regulation. This is because with low hormone levels, men experience irritability.
What are the causes of the midlife crisis?
The causes of the midlife crisis are:
Death of a relative or friend
Since the midlife crisis occurs during the body’s aging process, mourning can be more difficult. The sadness and intensified discouragement create feelings of proximity to death. This affects mental health and increases the risk of depression.
Professional problems
There are three fronts here. The first is the feeling of being less productive than colleagues. Then there is the doubt of whether or not they chose the right profession. The third front is the desire to change and the fear of not succeeding.
Not knowing what to do after retirement
Retirement can be synonymous with loss of identity. Retired people feel lost because they don’t know how to face this phase. Increased interaction with family also brings anxiety.
Children leaving home
Empty nest syndrome occurs when children leave home. Parents, who were once caregivers and mentors, no longer play these roles. This “downgrading” of function causes a feeling of loss of purpose and loneliness.
Insecurity about appearance
Wrinkles, gray hair, and sagging skin indicate aging. With the emphasis on beauty and youth, feelings of inferiority are becoming more common.
This search for perfection explains the growth of the aesthetic treatment market. According to research by Grand View Research, a research firm, the sector generated the equivalent of R$633 billion in 2023.
Men also worry about the appearance of their penis, which changes with aging.
How to deal with the midlife crisis and its related issues?
The midlife crisis is not synonymous with an end. Our 5 tips are important for healthy and happy aging. Check them out:
Physical activity
The benefits of physical activity are broad, encompassing both physical and psychological well-being. Some studies suggest that regular practice may be associated with hormonal balance in men.
The article The benefits of physical activity in aging – A literature review, written by Flávio Alves Oliveira for the State University of Southwest Bahia, points out that exercise is good for mental health, improves functional capacity, and reduces or delays diseases associated with aging.
Keeping the body in motion also helps men increase testosterone levels.
Balanced diet
There are foods that stimulate serotonin production, the so-called “happiness hormone.” These foods are rich in tryptophan, the amino acid needed to produce the hormone.
Once in the body, biochemical reactions convert tryptophan into serotonin. Here are some sources of tryptophan:
- Lean meats: chicken and turkey
- Fish: sardines, salmon, and tuna
- Dairy products: milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Legumes: chickpeas, beans, and lentils
- Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, and oats.
A healthy diet can be beneficial for overall well-being, and some studies suggest that certain foods may contribute to hormonal balance, which often occurs after age 40.
Read also: Discover 14 foods good for the prostate
Keep your mind occupied
Reading about something that has recently caught your attention is a good idea. It stimulates the mind and opens up a world of possibilities. This initiative could be the awakening of a hidden skill.
Don’t feed loneliness
Those who are already fragile keep dwelling on problems and insecurities. Stay in touch with family and friends and accept invitations.
Self-knowledge
Self-knowledge is beneficial at any age. Those who know their weaknesses can identify events that may result in discomfort, anxiety, or sadness.
When should you seek medical help?
Cases of deep sadness and hopelessness, constant fear and anxiety, and changes in sleep and appetite require psychological guidance. Relationship difficulties with your partner or friends motivated by conflicts and communication failures also require specialized help.
Men with mood swings, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced muscle mass may be experiencing andropause. This condition is marked by a reduction in testosterone levels. Therefore, it is important to consult a urologist to identify possible hormonal changes and prescribe the best form of replacement.
The midlife crisis is a phase of deep reflection on life. It starts at age 40 and goes up to 50/55 years old. It doesn’t affect everyone, and each case is unique.
It is a phase of dissatisfaction, fear, and regret. In extreme situations, there are psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.
However, there are approaches that can help manage the symptoms and promote a better quality of life. The first step is to start therapy.
And, because it coincides with the onset of andropause, men should consult a urologist. He specializes in male health and will help with hormonal issues.
If you are facing issues like low libido and erectile dysfunction, consider scheduling a pre-analysis with Dr. Paulo Egydio, who has over 25 years of experience in the field and has developed recognized techniques in male health care.
