Part 2 - Signs of MLC
People who are having a midlife crisis are thought to be struggling with their own mortality and, somewhere during midlife, they have the desire to feel young again and favor fun over life responsibilities. That's why the term "midlife crisis" often causes people to picture mistresses and sports cars! However, midlife crisis can affect people in different ways, so there's no simple checklist of behaviors. There are certain signs that do seem common though, such as dramatic changes in habits or mood swings, feelings of anger or anxiety, emotional outbursts, or impulsive decision making and risk-taking. Some people may have stopped enjoying the activities that they used to do. They may have started comparing themselves unfavorably to others or talking about making major changes in their life or career. This may be accompanied by a loss of confidence or focus. But for those who are goal oriented, there may be less reflection and more action. Rather than look back on years gone by, they may begin scrambling to accomplish bigger goals in the second half of their lives. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Development found an upside to the midlife crisis—curiosity. That curiosity could lead to new breakthroughs or new opportunities, which might be the silver lining in the midst of a crisis. Stay tuned for Part 3 in our next posting, on how to cope positively with midlife crisis.