When do men go through mid life crisis

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

The midlife crisis in men is a transitional period of development, characterized by a change in life attitudes, a reassessment of experience and the definition of prospects. It develops between the ages of 35 and 50. Accompanied by repetitive thoughts about the meaning of life and missed opportunities, emotional temper, anger, aggressiveness, depression, provocation of conflicts, adultery, addiction to alcohol, a radical change of interests. Professional diagnostics is carried out by a psychologist during a conversation. The manifestations of the crisis become less pronounced if the recommendations of a specialist are followed. nine0006

• Causes of midlife crisis in men
• Pathogenesis
• Symptoms of a midlife crisis in men
• Complications
• Diagnostics
• Advice for midlife crisis in men
• Prognosis and prevention
• Prices for treatment

General

The name "midlife crisis" was introduced by the Canadian psychoanalyst E. Jacques to refer to the age period from 40 to 60 years, accompanied by a rethinking of the acquired experience, a loss of interest in the present. Later, the boundaries of the crisis were shifted, now its onset is often observed in 30-35 years. Men go through the transition more difficult than women. This is due to the high demands of society for career achievements and financial solvency, insufficient recognition of the importance of realization in family life. Symptoms of the crisis period are more noticeable among residents of large cities, among representatives of creative professions. nine0006

Midlife crisis in men

Causes of midlife crisis in men

All middle-aged men go through a crisis. The severity of symptoms - emotional experiences, behavioral disorders, personal and social maladjustment - is determined by social, cultural, psychological, material, household and biological factors. The following causes of severe crisis are common:

• Financial insolvency. Modern society ascribes to a man the role of "getter" as one of the main ones. At certain age stages, one recognizes oneself as successful or unsuccessful, depending on material well-being. nine0011
• Dissatisfaction with marriage. Personality crisis in men often coincides with the crisis of marital relations. By this time, the upbringing of children ends, life is fully equipped, the common interests of the husband and wife become less.
• Death of loved ones. The trigger for a crisis can be the death of a parent or friend. A man experiences a loss, feels loneliness more acutely, faces the realization of the finiteness of life.
• Deterioration of health. By the age of 40-50, changes occur at the level of physiology - flexibility, strength, endurance decrease, joint pain occurs, testosterone production decreases, the body ages. A decrease in working capacity contributes to the development of anxiety for maintaining the possibility of professional realization. nine0011
• Adherence to stereotypes. The media promote the "cult of youth", material and social success as a condition for happiness. Discrimination based on age is widespread.
• Psychological features. Men who are unsure of themselves and dependent on the opinions of others are more susceptible to experiencing a crisis. Orientation to the future, the ability to make plans and translate them into reality contribute to the easy overcoming of the transitional stage.

Pathogenesis

The origin of the crisis in middle age was studied in detail by E. Erickson. According to his theory, at the age of 35-50 certain developmental tasks are formed, for the solution of which it is necessary to master new skills and abilities. The successful completion of the crisis allows you to gain new experience and find peace of mind. The main task is to make a choice between the stagnation of the "I" (Ego) and generativity, that is, the spread of interests beyond the limits of one's own well-being. When implementing the second option, one identifies oneself with other people, with future generations, which partly solves the existential problem of the meaning of life, the inevitability of death. The choice of stagnation of "I" means a return and reconciliation with the mastered ways of functioning. A person prefers a familiar, comfortable state, refuses to experience stressful situations. Often in the future this leads to disappointment, dissatisfaction, depression. nine0006

Symptoms of a midlife crisis in men

In men, the period of crisis is manifested by changes in the emotional and behavioral sphere. Thoughts arise about one's own insolvency, fear of approaching old age, hatred of the daily routine. Many men talk about the feeling of "being cornered", of wanting to change everything, to "turn it upside down". Depression, depression, irritability, anger increase. Attempts to change the situation and restore peace of mind are often destructive, as there is no understanding of the causes of emotional instability. nine0006

Men become more withdrawn in communication with close relatives. The former relationship with the spouse no longer satisfies the emerging needs for understanding, support, and recognition. Professional activity begins to seem monotonous, boring, preventing self-realization, the manifestation of creativity. In an attempt to resolve an internal crisis, men change external factors: they divorce their wives, quit their jobs, go in for sports, fishing, hunting, computer and gambling. A change in relationships and activities gives the illusion of an active life, a kind of return to youth. nine0006

Complications

Without the help of psychologists, the support of relatives, the crisis in men drags on, accompanied by destructive emotional and personal changes. The most common complication is depression. It is formed when there is a refusal to actively resolve the basic conflict, "leaving" the problem. Relationships and activities remain the same, but internal dissatisfaction accumulates, the idea of ​​the meaninglessness of further existence, the unattainability of happiness, is consolidated. In addition, depression can develop after overcoming the crisis and assessing its consequences - the loss of marital, friendship, professional relationships, loss of career, income. nine0006

Diagnostics

Identifying a midlife crisis is the task of a psychologist. If there are no complications - depression, social and personal maladjustment - then the diagnosis is performed by the method of clinical conversation. As a rule, men are critical of their own experiences, are able to describe emotions, feelings, disturbing thoughts, fears, talk about actions. With complaints of depressed mood, apathy, prolonged melancholy, suicidal thoughts, a psychodiagnostic study is additionally performed to identify depression. Personality questionnaires are used (for example, LN Sobchik's Standardized Multivariate Personality Research Method), as well as specific scales (Zang Scale, Beck Depression Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, and others). nine0006

Advice for midlife crisis in men

The age crisis is a natural stage of mental development; men who experience it do not need treatment. With pronounced manifestations of the transition period, the risk of divorce, job loss, the development of depression, it is worth seeking advice from a psychologist or psychotherapist. To overcome the crisis as easily as possible, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• Provide emotional support. In a crisis, men begin to feel loneliness, misunderstanding of others, the pressure of rules and requirements in all areas of life. It is important for wives, parents, children to show patience, to become more interested in the affairs and experiences of a loved one. nine0011
• Make productive changes. It is worth taking emotions into the background, assessing the productivity and destructiveness of changes in life. For example, instead of quitting your job, find an exciting hobby. Parents and wives should understand the man's need for change, do not resist it, do not create conflict situations, try to diversify the daily routine.
• Reduce requirements. During a crisis, men are acutely aware of any restrictions - rules of conduct, family traditions, daily routine, job responsibilities. If possible, it is necessary to abolish formal requirements, expanding the freedom of action. You can not compare with the successes of others, set the bar, make high expectations. nine0011
• Accept changes. A crisis is a time for deep inner work. It is important not to rush, to realize and analyze the feelings, ideas, plans that arise. The old situation of development (relationships, rituals, activities) can no longer satisfy the needs of the individual, one must understand the inevitability of changes and accept them.
• Track the duration of a crisis. The duration of this stage ranges from 4-6 months to one and a half years. If emotional discomfort is observed for a longer time, it is recommended to consult a psychotherapist or psychologist. nine0011

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis in most cases is favorable - the crisis, as a natural stage of development, has a beginning, culmination and completion with the formation of a new image of the Self, an understanding of one's purpose, priorities, values. Such certainty provides spiritual harmony, emotional balance - qualities that mark the transition to a stable period. It is impossible to prevent a crisis, but with the right attitude towards the upcoming changes, it is possible to reduce its duration and severity. It is important to follow the recommendations of psychologists and remember the temporary nature of difficulties. nine0006

Sources

1. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

   What is a midlife crisis and how to overcome it

   Many Friends fans will remember the episode in which the main characters go through their 30th birthday. Each of the characters in the American sitcom showed the most expected reaction to a midlife crisis: Joe experienced a panic, Monica drowned her despair in wine, Phoebe summed up her years, and Rachel experienced depression, broke off relationships and began to make plans for the future. And, of course, Ross bought a red sports car. But does everyone experience a midlife crisis, and what is the average age? Is it worth repeating the usual scenarios and clichés? And, most importantly, how to deal with it? nine0006

   • What is midlife crisis
   • Causes
   • When the Crisis Comes
   • Symptoms and signs
   • Male midlife crisis
   • Women's midlife crisis
   • How to Survive
   • How to help those in crisis

   The article was checked and commented by Elena Fiveyskaya, psychologist, GMS Clinic coach

   Advertising on RBC www. adv.rbc.ru nine0006

   What is a midlife crisis

   A midlife crisis is an emotional state that a person experiences at the age of 30-50, most often it is associated with a reassessment of life experience. It seems that many opportunities and dreams of youth are missed, while old age (or death) will come pretty soon. For different people, the crisis occurs at different ages, it depends on individual characteristics.

   Crisis is often defined as a period of emotional upheaval and associated with a thirst for change. At the time of his experience, people try to fight the thoughts of old age. Many may forego responsibilities in favor of entertainment. That's why the term "midlife crisis" is often associated with buying a sports car or starting a new relationship. But middle age is also a time of reappraisal, debriefing, and self-determination, psychologists say. nine0006

   Middle age is a time of reassessment, reflection and self-determination

   © Shutterstock

   Aging makes a person anxious and depressed. And a midlife crisis is a phase that helps you feel young again, because you don't want to put up with the fact that life is half over [1]. However, the emotional upheavals that people experience at this age do not always lead to major lifestyle changes associated with the desire to stay forever young. nine0006

   The term was originally applied only to men. He explained the fear of death that they experienced during this period. Today, the definition covers the physical, psychological, social problems faced by both men and women. However, many do not associate the midlife crisis with aging. So, in one of the surveys, men talked about problems at work or in the family, and women - with health and personal relationships.

   Causes of midlife crisis

   For many, middle age is a time when relationships and social roles change. Some people begin to care for aging parents, others feel lonely because adult children began to live separately . For others, this period becomes a time of regrets about missed opportunities [2].

   Middle age can also be a time of deep reflection. People look back on the years they have lived and wonder what their life would have been like if they had taken a different path. Some begin to regret that they did not choose another career or did not accomplish what they once dreamed of. Others recall happier days of their youth. nine0006

   Decline in happiness

   One theory why some people experience a midlife crisis is that they experience a decline in happiness. Research shows that the feeling of happiness can be depicted as a U-shape. Where a gradual decline in happiness levels begins in late adolescence and continues until the age of 40. Happiness begins to grow again at 50 [3]. This hypothesis was confirmed by the data of half a million Americans and Europeans. During the survey, people in their 60s reported that they had never been so happy in their lives. While forty-year-olds felt very miserable. However, the U-shaped curve is not an axiom at all. nine0006

   When does a crisis occur?

   According to research, not everyone experiences a midlife crisis. Some scholars believe that the concept of crisis is a social construct. It is the belief that some kind of crisis must occur at 40 that makes people think that they are experiencing disappointment and breakdown.

   People feel lonely when their grown-up children start living separately

   © Yan Krukov/Pexels

   The US National Midlife Survey found that approximately 26% of participants experience a midlife crisis [4]. At the same time, the majority of respondents reported that it occurred in the period before 40 or after 50 years. These data cast doubt on the axiom that such an emotional state is directly related to age, since the average is usually considered to be 45 years. In addition, the vast majority of respondents said that the crisis was caused by a serious event in life, and not by age. These include divorce, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, or relocation. nine0006

   Today, the age range of the midlife crisis has expanded, as men and women under the age of 30 and over 50 can experience it. And its onset is often due to personal characteristics and significant events in life.

   Symptoms of a midlife crisis

   Psychotherapist Elena Elfimova in her book "Crisis of Personal Relationships" describes in detail the symptoms of a midlife crisis. Here's what you need to pay attention to:

   • there was a need to improve physical fitness and appearance; nine0011
   • there was a desire to actively move: running, cycling, dancing, extreme sports: racing, skydiving;
   • made drastic changes in their diet or went on a diet, started taking vitamins or dietary supplements;
   • buy new clothes and spend more time looking;
   • change your hairstyle, color your hair due to natural changes in color, thickness and quantity;
   • dramatically change the circle of friends, which is replenished by people of a younger age; nine0011
   • feel dissatisfied with your own achievements;
   • compare yourself with other people of your age who have achieved more;
   • what used to bring pleasure is boring; there was a desire to quit a successful career;
   • experience irritability, sudden fits of anger;
   • you get tired faster, there are problems with memory, new diseases, the consequences of bad habits have accumulated;
   • the need for sleep has changed: you want to sleep more or, conversely, less; nine0011
   • became more prone to stress;
   • like listening to other music, suddenly want to learn how to play a musical instrument;
   • have a sudden interest in painting or writing;
   • awakened interest in religion or philosophy;
   • think about death more often, talk about its nature;
   • trying to give new life to things that you bought 20 years ago;
   • often remember your childhood; nine0011
   • think about the future.

   Midlife crisis in men

   Men most often associate the crisis with life values ​​and the search for oneself. At the same time, the search can imply both a change in profession, changes in family life, and cardinal changes in lifestyle. At this point, men often look back on their past years, question their achievements and begin to look for themselves in something else.

   Men most often associate the crisis with life values ​​and the search for oneself

   © Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

   Signs of aging also play an important role: as a rule, health and physical abilities begin to deteriorate in middle age. Thoughts that you can be happier if you change something can cause men to have an emotional crisis and an acute desire for speedy change.

   A midlife crisis usually involves changing lives in a hurry, says Calvin Colarusso, MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego [5]. As an example, he cites the case of his patient who wrote a note to his wife, withdrew money from a bank account and moved to another city without warning. But, according to Colarusso, this type of crisis is rare, more often men go through it less impulsively. nine0006

   Signs of a midlife crisis in men:

   1. You are over 40 years old. Colarusso most often sees men struggle with a midlife crisis in their 40s and 50s.
   2. You are concerned about the main areas of your life. This may include dissatisfaction with career, marriage, health, as well as a desire to change them for the better.
   3. You feel that there is little time to choose a new direction.

   According to a psychologist, many men are in dire need of change when:

   • appearance and physical form change;
   • grandchildren appear;
   • parents or friends die.

   Ph.D. and psychologist from Boston, Lynn Margolis, believes that at this stage, men can experience "teenage rebellion." “A sure sign of a midlife crisis is that you feel trapped and strongly tempted to change your life,” she says. Attempts may include:

   • addiction to alcohol; nine0011
   • novel on the side;
   • leaving the family, breaking up a long-term relationship;
   • desire to add thrills.

   Midlife crisis can lead to both growth and destruction of personality. If you look for the causes of your unhappiness, and then make thoughtful decisions to eliminate them, this is growth, says the psychologist. And making impulsive decisions, such as walking away from a familiar life, having a relationship with a younger partner that ends quickly, or buying a car that is too expensive, leads to destruction. nine0006

   A sure sign of a midlife crisis: you feel trapped and strongly tempted to make a radical change in your life

   © Shutterstock

   The psychologist encourages you to remember that feelings and impulsive impulses are not commands to action. After all, the desire to run away from home, work or family does not mean that it really needs to be done. These feelings may indicate problems that need to be addressed. In addition, over time, they may disappear altogether. Men make many successful changes in their 40s and older: get an education, travel, start their own business. It is important to make sure that the new goals are practical and accessible. nine0006

   Midlife crisis in women

   Contrary to popular belief, the crisis affects not only men. Recent studies have shown that a similar emotional state is also characteristic of women from 40 to 65 years old [6]. During this period, they face not only physiological changes, but also problems at work, in family relationships, and in achieving financial and personal goals. The stress can be so intense that women may experience sleep disturbances and health problems[7][8]. nine0006

   To avoid backlash, a midlife crisis is best viewed as an opportunity to re-evaluate your life, a chance to pause and spend time and energy figuring out what's important to you, says Susan Albers, PhD in Psychology.

   Hormonal changes are the main difference in these situations, notes the psychologist. As women enter menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease and cause physiological changes, including disturbances in sleep, mood, and sex drive [9]. During perimenopause and menopause, hormone imbalances can also cause memory loss, anxiety, weight gain, and decreased interest in things you used to enjoy, according to Mayo Clinic doctors [10].

   Signs and symptoms of a midlife crisis in women:

   • depression and anxiety;
   • lack of motivation or desire to devote time to certain activities;
   • dissatisfaction with career and other life choices.

   Emerging experiences can direct women's attention inward. And since they are more likely to care about the feelings and needs of others, such self-reflection can provoke an emotional crisis. In the role of mother, women may be more visible in society or have a strong bond with their children, psychologists say. But one day the children grow up and stop needing them. And when women do not devote all their attention to the family, they have time to think about their experiences.

   Stress can be so intense that women may experience sleep disturbances and health problems

   © Cottonbro/Pexels

   How to Survive a Midlife Crisis

   1.

   Embrace Change

   It's not just gray hair and wrinkles that show age, fatigue does too. Therefore, the question of how to feel younger is increasingly being asked by psychologists and psychotherapists. Try not to attribute changes in appearance to age. They are also caused by unfavorable ecology, hard work and stress.

   Maintain mental activity: enthusiasm and a positive inner attitude are good for appearance. nine0006

   2. Take care of yourself

   Look for ways to reduce stress, whether it's asking loved ones to share your experience or using stress management techniques such as meditation or mindful breathing. Take care of yourself, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.

   3. Take care of your health

   Talk to your doctor or gynecologist to help you understand what is normal in your condition and what is depression or anxiety. Consulting a therapist can also help you cope with negative emotions. nine0006

   4. Train your brain

   Age also manifests itself in increased fatigue and forgetfulness. Over time, the brain loses the ability to adapt to new situations. Try to diversify the usual course of life: change the route to work, give up the car, walk more often and arrange interesting events with family and friends. Stop using the calculator and start training your brain with mental counting. You can also give up diaries and entries in your mobile phone: try to remember phone numbers, memorable dates and a to-do list. nine0006

   5. Get new emotions

   Travel is one of the most common tips from psychologists. Sometimes a week spent in an unknown city or country can give more impressions than a whole year of measured life.

   Look for ways to reduce stress

   © Marcus Aurelius/Pexels

   But going to the ends of the earth in search of new experiences is not an option for everyone, given the current pandemic. Previously unknown tastes and smells will help to get emotions and create neural connections. Try new dishes or buy an unusual perfume. In addition, you can diversify your leisure time with new hobbies. nine0006

   6. Be grateful

   Take time to be grateful for the parts of your life that make you happy, psychologists advise. Try keeping a journal and write down what you are grateful for. Go back to your notes to see what you can change in your life.

   7. Discuss your emotional state

   Find accomplices. It is important to know that you are not the only one experiencing a crisis. Talking to others about how you feel is supportive. Those who have already gone through this state can share useful ideas and tips. Also, before making important decisions, discuss them with someone you trust. A friend or psychologist may have a different opinion about the correctness of your choice. nine0006

   8. Do a self-evaluation

   Try to understand what is important to you, what you spend time and energy on. Find out what takes energy instead of filling it. This process may involve restructuring relationships, getting rid of toxic people, finding new friends or hobbies. Let go of guilt and don't get discouraged by introspection. Realize that this is a necessity and allow yourself to explore the important questions of life.

   When to ask for help

   Sometimes going through a midlife crisis doesn't require professional help. Perhaps, in order to feel that life has been filled with meaning, a new hobby is enough. But this emotional state can affect well-being. A midlife crisis should be treated like any other emotional crisis. If you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms that worsen your condition, it is best to seek help from professionals.

   Psychological consultation will help to cope with negative emotions

   © Shutterstock

   Here are a few times when you should consult a doctor or see a psychologist:

   • emotional stress interferes with sleep or affects appetite;
   • unable to concentrate on work;
   • stress or mood affects relationships with loved ones;
   • lost interest in entertainment and hobbies;
   • are thinking about major life changes: ending a long-term relationship, changing careers, or moving. At the same time, the desire to make changes is born from the internal upheavals associated with age. nine0011

   How to help those who are in crisis

   Experiences during this period can be quite strong. So much so that it becomes difficult to endure them not only for a person, but also for his family, friends, colleagues. At this moment, people begin to splash out their emotions and aggression, or, conversely, to withdraw into themselves.

   If you suspect a friend or family member is having a midlife crisis, you can help them.

   • Become a good listener for loved ones, let the person talk about their experiences. Try to listen without judgment and refrain from giving advice. Let a friend share how they feel and let them know that you are there. nine0011
   • Express your concern, concern more often. At the same time, it is better to avoid exclamations from the series: “It seems that you are having a midlife crisis ?!” Instead, try asking probing questions like, “You haven't looked like yourself lately. Are you all right?"
   • If necessary, talk to your loved one about the importance of getting professional help. Suggest talking to a psychologist or doctor. Keep in mind that the changes you see in a person may indicate health problems. For example, a thyroid disorder often causes mood swings. The specialist will help to rule out medical problems and determine if a psychologist is needed. nine0011
   • When someone close to you refuses to seek help from a specialist, you can consult a psychologist yourself. A therapist can help you develop a plan to support the other person and set healthy mental boundaries.
   • Get help right away if you notice that a loved one could harm themselves or others. If necessary, take him to the emergency room for examination. If a person refuses to go to the hospital, call an ambulance and do not leave him unattended. nine0011

   Psychologist's comment

   Elena Fiveyskaya, psychologist, GMS Clinic coach

   What is the difference between midlife crisis in women and men?

   Any age crisis is a turning point, a transitional moment that has its own stages and patterns of development. In this midlife crisis in men and women is the same.

   First of all, both of them will definitely have it: it will affect almost everyone. Secondly, it is directly related to its name - namely, it comes in the middle of life (median). This means that both a man and a woman will begin to compare their expectations from life with what has been achieved, can still be achieved, and with what has been lost forever. nine0006

   But there are differences. The first is the age difference. If we do not take into account the tails of the distribution (for example, genes that allow a woman under 40 to look 20), then a woman begins to observe the first heralds of age-related changes by the age of 30.

   If a woman has not yet given birth, then thoughts about the mythical biological clock sometimes fly into her head, becoming more insistent. Men have fewer such restrictions, at 30 they, for the most part, firmly believe that everything is still ahead. nine0006

   The second difference is the goal that a woman and a man want to achieve. There is an opinion that it is more important for a woman to realize herself in a family, and for a man - in a career. But, in my opinion, this stereotype is outdated, and many men today dream of a child, and women put their career first.

   The third factor involved in the reassessment of one's abilities in middle age is related to the sexual sphere. These are menopause in women and erection problems in men. And here again we can note the difference in age limits (as well as with procreation). nine0006

   But the main difference that I want to point out as a psychologist is what avoidance strategies (instead of accepting current changes) are used by men and women in the midst of a midlife crisis.

   In men, trying to regain youth by committing reckless acts is the most common behavior. As they say, gray hair in the head is a demon in the ribs. They are trying to emotionally return to the pre-crisis state.

   A woman, on the other hand, makes attempts to do it bodily: she decides on braces, plastic surgeries, rejuvenation procedures - all this is a multi-million dollar business that is based on the midlife crisis of the beautiful half of humanity. nine0006

   Once again, I want to emphasize that the differences between men and women are changing these days. A woman can run to buy a new Porsche, a yacht, or get a lover younger than herself, just as a man can maniacally improve his appearance.

   Women do not lose the ability to receive the same vivid emotions as in their youth. In men, the emotional sphere fades, everything becomes boring, and life becomes like a “Groundhog Day”. Therefore, often men look for emotions in a new marriage, re-participate in the birth of children, experiencing this process in a different way, more consciously, as it seems to them. nine0006

   A woman is more masochistic by nature, it is easier for her to devote herself to something else: a man, a child, projects. Because of her nature and ability to be a mother. Without the masochistic part, the stage of childbirth and postpartum care for the baby seems rather difficult. Therefore, this is inherent in a woman.

   How long can a midlife crisis last?

   Long enough if the person does not advance to the next level. In especially severe cases, such a crisis can break a person. nine0006

   Perhaps you have come across or even among relatives there are elderly people who are stuck in the past, have lost the meaning of life and do not expect anything more from this world. Usually they say about them: “She was never able to start a family, he never recovered from losing his job, etc.” Missed opportunities remained in the past, and the person did not set new goals for himself.

   But there are also opposite cases, when a crisis pushes a person to his destiny, to what he always wanted to do, but for some reason did not do it. nine0006

   Is there a complex treatment, crisis therapy?

   The main therapy is a visit to a psychologist. A crisis is not a disease, but a transition from one phase of development to the next. If in adulthood there are difficulties in accepting some new circumstances, this is work with the psyche and defenses. A psychologist will help you understand what is stopping you and how to deal with it. In some cases, you will have to burn yourself out, in others - to change the strategy, and thirdly - to set new goals.

   How to help yourself with signs of a crisis? nine0006

   It is extremely difficult to get out of the crisis on your own. I already wrote about the defenses of the psyche, which will not allow us to move on if we have not closed some specific goals, desires, our “wants”. There will be attempts again and again to get what you want, even if it is impossible. It also depends on the actual achievements of a person in comparison with his expectations. In this case, perfectionists will have a particularly hard time.

   The only thing I would like to advise is not to compare yourself with others, everyone has been given a different amount of resources (both external and internal). So, even a successful businessman will be a loser compared to a person on the first line of Forbes. Another recommendation is to explore new areas, opportunities, everything new as much as possible, because the old is either unattainable, or has already been achieved and interest is lost. nine0006

   How can loved ones help those who are in crisis?

   Everything is very individual and depends not only on the personality of loved ones and the one who is going through a crisis, but also on the peculiarities of the relationships that have developed between them. If even before the crisis the relationship was not trusting, and the personality was closed and secretive, then attempts to abruptly change course can unsettle even more.

   It is important to pay attention to the reduction of possible criticism, to shift the focus to achievements. Notice the destructive thoughts of your loved one and challenge them. Talk if possible. Engage in new events, activities. nine0006

   Are there any consequences of the crisis? Which?

   Of the negative ones - the destruction of the personality (family, career), which may be accompanied by alcoholism, drug addiction, loss of faith in oneself or severe mental illness. Of the positive ones - new opportunities, a surge of energy for their implementation, another opportunity to turn your life in the right direction.

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