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man having a midlife crisis with his head in his hands - buy cheap treatment online - the family chemist

The Mystery of the Male Midlife crisis

What do you mean by ‘midlife crisis’?

The term midlife crisis is often banded about in jest or exaggeration when someone is going through a period of change in mood or appearance. We’ve all heard someone say ‘oh they’re just having a midlife crisis’ in the same way people joke about ‘senior moments’ or the ‘terrible twos’
But in reality, the midlife crisis in men is very much real and more serious than you think. So what are the signs and what can you do to tackle it?

A midlife crisis, particularly in men can be seen as a moment of reckoning for the loss of youth. Almost like an inner fear of dying where you know inside that your best days of physical health, fitness and even appearance are behind you. The hair loss, weight gain and tiredness that often come with age can unlock a sense of sadness, especially in the image-conscious and for many, it’s a time of feeling like they haven’t achieved their full potential and perhaps never will.

Common symptons

This time of life certainly has plenty to offer and shouldn’t be seen as all gloom and doom but many can feel stuck in a rut. As with all levels of anxiety and depression, there are signs to look out for and methods to help ease the symptoms and raise mood levels. Some of the key triggers to look out for include,

  • Mood swings– experiences of sadness, irritability, agitation, outbursts, spontaneity, and isolation.
  • Feelings of depression and anxiety– A midlife crisis can often leave you feeling sad, miserable and insecure.
  • Sleeplessness or oversleeping– As with most depression and anxiety disorders sleep is often affected and can go hand in hand with eating and overeating.
  • An obsession with appearances– Those going through a midlife crisis often feel the need to remain attractive to others and obsess over their self-image, fitness and grooming.
  • Reckless behaviour and increased consumption of drugs or alcohol– Affairs, gambling and substance abuse can be common in those struggling with a midlife crisis on one hand to make them feel young again and on the other to mask their feelings.
  • Feeling stuck in a rut– Feelings of being trapped are common be that in marriage, career or any situation where you feel there is no way out. Often this is just the effect of the crisis manifesting but can put a strain on relationships and routines.
  • Lack of Libido– When you’re depressed and not feeling good about yourself libido is often affected with many men experiencing erectile problems as a result.
  • Being more competitive– sometimes the crisis can cause a spike in competitiveness with sufferers feeling they need to prove themselves and their worth.
  • Worrying about dying– A midlife crisis can make its sufferers panic about dying and place an impetus on mortality as they panic about the time they have left.

The male midlife crisis is often wrongly portrayed as someone having an affair, buying an impractical car, changing their look or taking up a bold new hobby rather than the points above so it’s important to know what to look for and what steps to take.
In any case of anxiety or depression, it’s always best to speak to someone about how you’re feeling. Your GP will be able to advise you further on options of talking therapy, mindfulness and medication should you need it but simple habits can help reframe the happiness curve. Many find exercise; meditation and simply making healthier choices can make a huge difference in your mood and mindset.

Support available

National charities such as Mind, Man Up and Humen are specialist national charities that can offer help and support, don’t forget to check out our men’s health page for more information on men’s health issues.

If you would like any guidance on the treatments we can offer for the symptoms associated with the male midlife crisis including hair loss, weight gain or erectile dysfunction our friendly and discreet specialists at the family chemist are on hand to help should you wish to get in touch to see how we can help you through this common period of change.