How To Recognize A Female Midlife Crisis

By Serena Price


The female midlife crisis usually starts when a woman reaches her late forty's and will last between two and five years. The symptoms will not be like the male version of this malady and gratefully it does not last as long as the male version. Women who suffer from this are generally feeling lost and disillusioned with life as they know it. Unfortunately the spouse is usually the main target of her reaction to the disillusionment.

As an answer to the depression that they feel some women may turn to alcohol or drugs for relief. They drink in private and keep it a secret from those around them. This behavior makes it even more insidious and difficult to overcome. The drugs they use can be sleeping pills or opiate pain medications. When this happens it is important to find a treatment program as soon as possible.

The age range for this to happen is between forty and fifty years old so they may also be going through menopause at the same time. Hormonal changes in their body add to the problem and can cause them to see themselves as less attractive as a mate. They may become impulsive in their behavior or go on shopping sprees to try to change their image. They can just as easily become discontented with their life partners and seek to break free in some areas.

Body sculpting through surgery is practiced by some women at this time. They seem to become obsessed with their outer appearance and will go to extreme measures to fix what they perceive as wrong. They discount the inside value they have as unimportant.

Needless to say the spouse does not understand what is happening. Things that have always been acceptable have become unacceptable. His wife does not seem to like him any longer and he feels as though he is being rejected both as a friend and a lover. This may very well be the truth but in most cases it is temporary and will pass as his wife transitions through this metamorphosis.

All of this discontent with one's life can be a wake up call for you if you recognize what is happening. It can be a period of personal growth and exploration of options for you. You can do all of this and not destroy your life as you know it. This same period can serve to give your spouse the same opportunities for growth and self realization.

Much like grieving there are specific stages to this process. They are not exactly the same but similar. You will feel five very strong emotions including anger and depression before you reach acceptance at the end of the cycle. As with grief you can rotate through these feelings many times before you are through it.

To survive the female midlife crisis you must first acknowledge what is happening. Then talk about it to your family and friends. That can take some of the power away from it. Also talk to your doctor if you become depressed. There is help for depression available that includes counseling and medications. Make a serious effort not to over react to your situation. Impulsive behaviors usually have consequences behind them.




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