Midlife crisis: Real or not?

A social perspective

We've heard, and maybe used, the phrase “midlife crisis” so often in today's self-diagnosing society that it's important to stop to think whether it is a myth or reality.


“There is no medical illness called midlife crisis,” says Dr. Thomas Ungar, Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director of the Mental Health Program at North York General Hospital. “It is not a biological disorder, nor a condition.”

Dr. Thomas Ungar, Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director of the Mental Health Program at North York General Hospital

Dr. Thomas Ungar, Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director of the Mental Health Program at North York General Hospital

As we move through different life stages from child to teenager, to young adult, to mature adult, it is normal to change our life views. Opinions, ideas and decisions once held in these age groups may change completely or at least evolve with time and experience.

“Commonly starting in a person's mid 40s, both men and women may start to evaluate their lives, consider new options and make changes because their circumstances have changed financially, with family and even health wise — allowing for or forcing major change,” says Dr. Ungar. “It's just a life in transition.”

At different ages, men may act in similar ways because of how they are socialized. For example, getting an expensive new sports car may sometimes be appealing to men after the kids are grown and they are financially more stable.

“Very rarely is something a crisis — a crisis is when a decision is made and action is taken in a very irresponsible way and leads to very negative, damaging outcomes,” says Dr. Ungar. “Someone may not be coping well with a life situation, but it's not necessarily a crisis.”

At different ages, men may act in similar ways because of how they are socialized. For example, getting an expensive new sports car may sometimes be appealing to men after the kids are grown and they are financially more stable.

At different ages, men may act in similar ways because of how they are socialized. For example, getting an expensive new sports car may sometimes be appealing to men after the kids are grown and they are financially more stable.

A medical perspective

It's also important to recognize that significant change in someone's behaviour should not be explained away by calling it a midlife crisis. “Applying a pop-culture term like midlife crisis to someone is problematic if they are dealing with an actual condition,” says Dr. Ungar “It is the medical community's role to assess and rule out any possible illness because there is a difference between not coping well and living with a clinical condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or even diabetes.”

Actual clinical conditions can manifest themselves with a change in behaviour. If a spouse, family member or friend has concerns about the safety or damaging behaviour of a loved one, a family physician who may already have some familiarity with that person can help by looking at an individual's medical history and screen for a range of possibilities, from thyroid issues to substance abuse.

Going forward

Dr. Ungar suggests it may be a good strategy to change one's mindset and stop thinking of midlife changes as a crisis, but rather as an opportunity for growth and new ways to embrace life.

Keep tabs on your physical and mental health. Eat well, exercise, and address physical and mental wellness concerns in a timely fashion.

 

This article first appeared in the May 2017 issue of The Pulse.

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