Signs You Are Experiencing Depression vs. A Midlife Crisis
March 24, 2020
March 24, 2020
Aging is a process that can sometimes feel uncomfortable while we go through profound, abrupt changes throughout our lives. A midlife crisis isn’t a psychological disorder per se, but it’s still an uncomfortable period of transition between 40 and 55, although there’s some variability in the timing of midlife crises. Men and women experience midlife crises somewhat differently.
It is common for people to mix up the symptoms of a midlife crisis with the symptoms of depression. However, the most differentiating factor is the frequency in which these feelings arise. The difference between depression and a midlife crisis comes down to whether the symptoms are present on a daily basis. A person who is experiencing a midlife crisis may have periods of time in which they are feeling fine, whereas a depressed person feels down and experiences the symptoms on a daily basis. Depression is a chronic, biologically-based mood disorder, while a midlife crisis is not.
A midlife crisis is a conflict between a person’s perception of themselves and their lives as they think they are and what they want them to be. It’s generated by the desire to change one’s identity. A middle-aged person who is content with their life standing can experience depression but will not experience a midlife crisis. A midlife crisis is a purely psychological disorder, although it can co-occur with depression.
What are the Symptoms of a Midlife Crisis?
Midlife crisis symptoms vary widely from person to person. The most common midlife crisis age range is 35 to 55, with some variability between genders. There’s overlap between many symptoms of a midlife crisis and depression too. Figuring out what’s going on can be a challenge, as different disorders may be occurring at once.
Consider the following symptoms of a midlife crisis common to both men and women:
Feeling unfulfilled in life
Intense feelings of nostalgia, chronic reminiscence about the past
Feelings of boredom, emptiness and meaninglessness
Impulsive, often rash actions
Dramatic changes in behavior and appearance
Marital infidelity or constant thoughts about infidelity
Constantly comparing oneself to others, who seem happier or more fulfilled
Intense feelings of regret
The Symptoms of a Midlife Crisis in Men
Men may also experience the loss of their sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased levels of testosterone and feelings of sadness. Sadness in a midlife crisis tends to be much less intense in comparison to full-blown depressive disorders.
Note that people show great individual differences in their symptoms. Some may show only one or two characteristics, while others may experience all of them.
In contrast with a midlife crisis, symptoms of midlife depression include:
Changes in sleep habits, either insomnia or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite
Intense, often debilitating feelings of sadness
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Lack of interest or enjoyment in previously fun activities (anhedonia)
Changes in body weight (unplanned loss or gain)
Loss of interest in sex
Withdrawal from social interactions
Elevated levels of anxiety, fear and worry
Irritability and anger (typically in men)
Tearfulness, uncontrollable emotions (most often in women)
Thoughts of death or self-harm
Aches and pains without an identifiable cause, including muscle pain, digestive problems, and headaches
Midlife Crisis and Depression in Women
Depression is a significant concern in midlife. When looking at gender and age, women from age 40 to 60 have some of the highest rates of depression.
Depression in middle-aged women is made more complex due to menopause. Menopause during midlife crises naturally makes the situation worse. Female depression at age 50 or above can be perimenopausal depression. Perimenopausal depression is a type of depression unique to women and is in part aggravated by fluctuating levels of estrogen. Painful or abnormal menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and intense, abrupt mood swings are often symptoms of depression that middle-aged women endure.
Women in midlife crises suffer many of the same symptoms as men; however, women tend to experience less anger and irritability and more tearfulness. At the same time women usually have midlife crises, they are also in the approximate age range for menopause, which has a big impact on their midlife experiences.
Depression versus a Midlife Crisis
Major depression isn’t linked to a particular age or period in a person’s life. It is a disease that can strike anyone, regardless of their feelings of satisfaction or contentment with their lives. Although midlife depression can be aggravated by external situations, it’s a disorder of the nervous system, particularly the way in which the nerves and tissues of the brain communicate with each other, coupled with the challenges brought about by a person’s unique environment.
Depression also has nothing to do with goal-directed behavior; that is, a person cannot become depressed by trying to or wanting to. Likewise, they cannot move past a depressive episode by force of will. A midlife crisis without co-occurring depression involves impetuous, rash and impulsive behavior that originates from a person’s desire to recapture lost youth or to make radical life changes without careful consideration.
A midlife crisis involves a person’s questioning of their identity as they leave young adulthood behind. Successfully resolving a midlife crisis means making peace with one’s life as it has been and either continuing on or making changes to get more satisfaction out of life.
Midlife Crisis and Depression in Middle-Aged Men
Not only are men at elevated risk for depression in midlife, they’re at an increased risk of suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control, white men between 45 and 54 have the highest rates of suicide in the nation. The symptoms of depression in middle-aged men are similar to those in women except men tend to become irritable, angry and may act out with some aggression.
How To Deal With Midlife Crisis Symptoms
Coping with a midlife crisis is challenging because a person’s feelings are screaming at them that something is wrong and must be corrected immediately. It’s the sense of urgency, the feeling that time is running out that drives people to make poor, even disastrous decisions. It’s important to slow down.
Make no hasty decisions. Making a change for the sake of having done something isn’t a good plan. The bigger the decision, the more thought needs to be given to it.
Talk to someone. Men and women in a midlife crisis often feel lonely and isolated. Find someone to open up to, and if you don’t have anyone you trust, see a professional mental health expert.
Touch base with reality. Remember that your emotions are not necessarily grounded in reality. Emotions themselves are real, but they may be based on an incorrect interpretation of things. Get some objective input into your situation.
Be kind. Be kind to yourself and others. If you’ve given thought to dissolving or changing a big relationship and decided after reflection you want to do that, proceed with kindness. If you’re quitting your job to go back to school, consider the proper way to break the news to family and loved ones. No matter what you decide, remember that you’re always part of a tapestry of connections.
TMS Therapy: Treating Depression With No Side Effects If you’re seeking treatment for depression and you’re concerned about the many side effects of antidepressants, consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. This is an FDA cleared non-invasive treatment for multiple mental health disorders. TMS therapy uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that affect mood, which helps you get back to your best life quickly and with no side effects. Among the many depression treatment options out there, TMS therapy is an excellent, pain-free solution that is covered by most major insurance companies. The best part is there are no side effects from TMS therapy, making it an excellent solution for those who fear the side effects of medications.
This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.
