What Are The Signs of A Midlife Crisis In A Man
In the Hollywood version of the male midlife crisis, cars and younger women feature very frequently. But how realistic is that, and what are the real signs of midlife crisis in men?
In this post, we’ll take a look at the most common male midlife crisis symptoms, and some of the signs that he is coming out of midlife crisis.
What is a midlife crisis for a man?
The term ‘midlife crisis’ describes a phase in a person’s life, often in their 40s and 50s, when they make massive changes to their life. They may be suddenly facing the reality of their mortality or reassessing their identity and achievements.
Often it’s not triggered simply by the fear of growing old but by a life-altering event such as divorce, the death of a parent or a milestone birthday. These events can often come along in quick succession in midlife, causing a man to react strongly against the unpredictability of life.
Of course, midlife crises affect women too…
Common signs for midlife crisis in a man
Everyone is different and will experience this stage of life differently, but here are some of the most common signs to look out for.
Impulsive behavior
A big sign of a male midlife crisis is seeking out adventure, whether in a good way or a destructive way. He might suddenly quit his job, pack his bags for a backpacking adventure or make a big-ticket purchase. But if he can rein in his impulsiveness and make more measured changes, there is a chance he could end up feeling happier at the end of a midlife crisis.
symptoms of depression
For some men, a midlife crisis presents with symptoms of depression. He may feel hopeless, unable to make a decision or lacking interest in the things that he used to enjoy. In this scenario, it’s important to remind him that you’re there to support him, but also encourage him to seek professional help.
questioning his beliefs
Some men may start to question the belief system that they have based their life on so far. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, if it doesn’t disrupt his everyday life, but it sometimes leads to a man suddenly quitting his job or being caught up in unwise investments. Speaking to a mentor or life coach could offer the guidance he needs to explore these questions in a less risky way.
Feelings of anger or blame
Experiencing a number of major life events in quick succession can result in a man lashing out against the world, and he may try to shift the blame for his problems on those close to him. If possible, it’s better to try and avoid engaging with this, as it could escalate into an ongoing conflict that outlives the midlife crisis.
infidelity
This is also a common symptom of midlife crisis in men. You may find that he withdraws from you, both physically and emotionally, and starts exhibiting secretive behaviour or staying late at work. It’s important not to jump to the conclusion that he’s having an affair, but if you both want to save your relationship then couples therapy could be a good place to start.
How long does a midlife crisis last for a man?
If your partner has been experiencing these symptoms for a while, you may be hoping for signs he is coming out of midlife crisis.
This depends partly on what caused the midlife crisis. If he’s coming to terms with the fact that he’s never going to headline a stadium concert, that may be quicker to pass than if you need to resolve deep-seated issues in your relationship.
It could take months or even years to reach the other side of a midlife crisis, but eventually he will reach a point of calm and acceptance of this next stage of life.
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