Thursday, January 30, 2014

Living Through A Female Midlife Crisis

By Serena Price


The female midlife crisis can catch you by surprise if you have no knowledge of what it is or what to expect from it. Unlike men women do not rush out and purchase a convertible and start running around with men half her age. She is more apt to become depressed and disappointed about her life in general. She may have spent her life looking after children and managing the house and now that the kids are grown she wonders what happened to her expectations and dreams. In short, she may feel empty.

At this point some become depressed, suffer weight gain and begin to question the meaning of their lives to date. If they were stay at home moms they may desire to find a career that fulfills them. If they have worked through the years they may think about quitting their job and finding other employment that is more challenging.

Another form that this problem may take on is anger. They are angry at themselves for wasting their lives. Another reason for the anger can be from living their entire life taking care of those around them and never taking time to realize their potential in life. This anger can come out sideways and be misdirected towards their spouse or children.

During this period there will be changes in behavior as well as mood swings. The woman may become a compulsive shopper or become compulsive about her appearance just as easily. This is a period of doubting one's self worth and abilities. Many women in this situation have breast implants or face lifts done and change their mode of dress to look younger.

A survey of two hundred husbands was done regarding the first signs of their wives changes in behavior and many stated that they had become difficult to get along with. Starting arguments or being sarcastic whenever they spoke. They also mentioned that personal appearance had become very important to their wives. They were losing weight, exercising, and dressing in younger fashions.

The solution for these symptoms is to talk about them. Talk to your family and friends about what you are feeling. See your physician and be tested to see if you need anti-depressants to help you through this time. As with most ailments knowledge is power and once you are aware of the problem you have the tools to deal with it.

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.

The female midlife crisis is a life changing event not only for the woman experiencing it but everyone who is close to her will also be effected. Couples can work together to get through this transitional period and become much closer as a result. Knowledge and understanding is imperative for both parties.




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