We've all heard about the concept of a midlife crisis. This is quite a natural phase of life- given the complexities of raising and feeding a family or nurturing a career on the take-off stages- it would only make sense that one would be fully immersed into a consuming routine.
However, this bubble finally bursts when all the craziness of life calms down- either you're financially stable or the kids are all grown up and off to live their own lives. Then the realization of a big void and sense of emptiness slowly sets in and during this process, an individual enters a mid-life crisis. What to do with yourself and rediscovering your personality.
Here are 8 signs that you're having a midlife crisis:
1. Making up for past opportunities
A sense of regret sets in as one starts to wonder about the several paths not taken. There's also an overwhelming feeling of wanting back your youthful days.
2. Questioning your various beliefs and values
So routine got the better of their judgment, it only made sense to stay on a rigid path to maximize their ability to balance everything else in their lives. Now that you're somewhat free you have the freedom to try out new things.
3. Obvious negligence
What was previously important doesn't seem to matter anymore. This heralds an extreme change in personality and character.
4. Depression
As a result of heightened anxiety and duress- some people will experience depression when going through a midlife crisis. There will be a consistent change in mood and a possible blame game about the cause of their unhappiness.
5. Drug abuse
Of course with depression amongst other symptoms of a midlife crisis already mentioned. It wouldn't be a far stretch to start abusing drugs so as to avoid reality.
6. Career change
Now that everything no longer makes sense, one might even start weighing his career options just out of the blue. Irrationally, without thinking things through.
7. Extreme makeover
This is one of those classic midlife crisis symptoms that’s easy to see. It ranges from buying new shoes getting a new wardrobe, going to the gym, shaving the beard off. Now, this could be a sign that somebody is trying to boost their ego.
8. Marital affairs
Affairs commonly happen during midlife crises, of course, for different reasons. In search of a source of excitement in their lives they may choose to resort to emotional or physical intimacy outside their married life.