When a woman experiences a midlife crisis. Midlife crisis in women: symptoms and timing

Strange as it may seem, but for a long time it was believed that a midlife crisis was exclusively male problem. But women only experience menopause. But no one took into account that the changes internal state women start much earlier – after the age of 40. Based on this, a theory was developed that women also suffer from a midlife crisis.

What is a woman's midlife crisis?

A woman's midlife crisis is characterized by a loss of meaning in her life, which leads to personality changes, dissatisfaction and depression. The main cause of the crisis is considered to be a revaluation of values, since certain experience has been accumulated over the past years. In this regard, outlook on life changes.

Unlike men, women have a much harder time surviving this condition, which is why no one takes this crisis seriously. Usually, by the age of 40, children grow up and begin to live an independent life; parents are no longer interested in this. And husbands perceive their wife’s psychological changes as ordinary whim or grumpiness. So women have to cope with this disease on their own.

Features of the crisis

Every woman experiences a midlife crisis differently. Because it's influenced life priorities. For example, if a woman devoted her entire youth to children, then as they grow up they cease to need care, as a result of which the mother feels unclaimed and begins to suffer. But the grandchildren will help speed up the end of the crisis, because the woman will feel needed again. The crisis is especially difficult for those who did not have time to have children. Thoughts begin to creep into women’s heads that their lives have been lived in vain, that no one needs them and that they will remain in splendid isolation in their old age. Especially if women do not have a husband.

Symptoms of a midlife crisis

Symptoms in women experiencing a midlife crisis may not appear immediately. It is very ambiguous, as it depends on the character of the person. One representative of the fairer sex may be capricious and cry, while the other, on the contrary, may show aggression. For this reason, all signs of crisis that are characteristic of women should be considered:

Some women begin an active fight against aging. They use expensive creams, make masks too often, visit cosmetologists and even decide to undergo plastic surgery. This is due to the fact that a woman develops depression, since compared to young girls she does not look so beautiful and charming. The fact is that during a midlife crisis (MAC), if it has developed due to aging, the woman is not able to realize that age-related changes– this is normal.
Behavior changes. Instead of behaving according to her age category, a woman begins to wear sexy and revealing clothes, trying to keep attention on herself.
Some representatives of the fair sex completely change their social circle to a younger crowd.
A woman can speak the slang of youth and even take a lover much younger than her.
After living with her husband for many years, a woman may suddenly realize that he is not destined for her and file for divorce.
A woman can radically change her life - find a new job, take training courses, change her place of residence, etc.
They begin to be active - playing sports, tourism, and generally living “to the fullest.”
Aggression or tearfulness may appear.
The woman stops thinking about tomorrow and make plans for the future, believing that her time has passed.
Some individuals decide to have one more child and it doesn’t matter to them what others say.
And other women begin to actively attribute non-existent problems and diseases to themselves.

The main reasons for the development of the crisis

All reasons for the development of a midlife crisis in women are associated with psychology, physiology and life circumstances. There are several of them:

At one “wonderful” moment, the woman realizes that the children no longer need her. Especially if children get married or go to study in another city. And this indicates the onset of old age, which cannot but depress. As a result, she is forced to change usual way of life life.
The realization that a woman may not have time to realize all her ideas and plans, because old age is approaching.
Due to age, responsibility towards all family members increases, which does not provide the opportunity to pursue one’s hobbies.
The absence of children or a husband develops a midlife crisis. The woman regrets that she was unable to give birth to a child, keep her husband, etc., and now it is impossible to do this.
Any woman dreams of a young partner. If it appears after 40 years, then others perceive this fact negatively. The woman realizes this and develops a feeling of shame, and then depression.
It also happens that the cause of SWR is satisfaction from all one’s desires. This leads to the fact that a woman understands: everything in life has been achieved, there is nothing to strive for.
Lack of energy and strength, frequent fatigue. This reason is present mainly among active women who are accustomed to doing several things at once, participating in the life of the work team, and generally solving many problems in a day. Due to age-related changes in a person’s body, a person’s performance decreases, which leads to a midlife crisis.
Changes in appearance play the most important role in the development of depression.
Hormonal disruption causes the body's metabolism to slow down, which leads to a rapid gain of extra pounds. Plus, losing excess weight becomes more problematic.

How to overcome a midlife crisis for a woman

The choice of method for overcoming a midlife crisis is individual in each individual case. Because it depends on the cause of the problem and the symptoms that appear. For example, if SWR is accompanied by increased aggressiveness, then the woman is recommended to take sedatives (calming drugs). If, on the contrary, you experience tearfulness and despondency, you need to eat foods that promote the production of the joy hormone. In this case, the abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries on the table helps a lot. Other methods of overcoming a crisis:

If the reason is separation from your husband, do not be upset and believe that fate has prepared for you a more reliable person, on whose shoulder you can lean in old age.
As children grow up, do not give up, because at any age they need maternal care and guardianship. It just seems that they no longer need their mother. In fact, it is at a young and slightly older age that children consciously approach mother's love. So just sit down and talk to your older child. As a last resort, you can take care of your neighbor's children or orphans. Many psychologists even recommend being happy that children are now living separately. Because you will have a lot of time for personal needs. What can we say about the opportunity to renew a romantic relationship with your own husband!
You definitely need to part with the past and understand that every age has its own charms. Of course, youth cannot be returned, but you have a lot of experience behind you and have gained wisdom. This fact puts you above any young beauty. It is very important to accept your changed body – wrinkles, cellulite and other changes. Understand that this body has served you for over 40 years, so it deserves your respect. You can have plastic surgery, but is it really necessary? Love yourself for who you are. If you cannot do this on your own, seek help from a psychologist, go to training, read the relevant literature.
Believe in a wonderful future, because at any age a person can experience moments of happiness. Think about the fact that when you retire, you will be able to manage your time only as you see fit. You will have the opportunity to visit distant relatives, visit museums and theaters, go to meetings with friends, and go on vacation.
Now you can rightfully consider yourself as a mentor to the younger generation. Whether it's family or work. In any case, they will listen to you and even ask for advice, as from a wiser and more experienced person.
Eventually, you will be able to behave naturally in any society. This will give you optimism.
Find yourself a new hobby or interest, thanks to which you will not have time for sad thoughts about your own fate and age.
Get more rest, go for walks around fresh air, if necessary, take medications to improve the condition of the body. Thanks to this, you can avoid irritability and depression in general.
You need to continue to set goals and strive to achieve them. This way you won't lose your incentive to live.
There is no need to try to radically change your life, continue to live in your usual rhythm and never think about the bad.

How to prevent the development of a midlife crisis

No woman is immune from a midlife crisis, but some representatives of the fair sex still manage to avoid it. Because there are small tricks that you should not forget about:

The most important thing is to save positive mood and attitude to life at any age. Because this is the only way you can look at the world through rose-colored glasses. Enjoying every moment of life, you will have no time to pay attention to other little things.
Starting from the age of 30, make it a rule to develop healthy habits, because this will make it possible to maintain the necessary energy reserves, strength and normal metabolism for long years. That is, you will not feel tired ahead of time, you will not be depressed, and you will not gain extra pounds. To achieve this result, you need to give preference to proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Don't stop playing sports even after 40.
Stay psychologically young. Namely, always remain young at heart.
Communicate more with positive people, relatives and friends. This will help build trust, so that when a crisis occurs, people will help and support you.
If you are often depressed throughout your life, be sure to visit a psychologist and sign up for trainings. Because without professional help, it will be difficult for you to avoid a midlife crisis.

Features of the crisis age at 50 years old

It turns out that if a woman did not have a turning point before the age of 50, then it can occur at this age. Only now the crisis manifests itself a little differently, since after 40 years enough years have passed, the woman no longer pays attention to special attention to changes in appearance. Because she managed to get used to age-related changes. Consequently, the main reasons are physiology, that is, the onset of menopause. During this period, a woman may not control her serious actions, to the point that she will be capable of treason. Therefore, at this age it is extremely important to consult a psychologist.

If you cannot avoid a midlife crisis, you need to correctly set priorities and analyze all the circumstances that contribute to the aggravation of the problem. And remember that turning points can be turned in a different direction - change your life for the better, filling it with new meaning!

"Midlife is a period of profound psychological transformation"— M. Stein.

The main developmental dilemma in the middle-aged adult, according to Erik Erikson, is the dilemma of restlessness. Restlessness in Erikson's theory is a very broad concept, covering both parental relationships - the birth and upbringing of children, and most of what is meant when talking about "productivity" or "creativity" - competence in a particular area, ability to contribute to it. Restlessness is thus a concept close to self-actualization, which Abraham Maslow defines as a person's desire to become the best he can be. In their chosen profession, people strive to do their best and improve enough to achieve the highest level of competence of which they are capable. People strive to be loyal friends, engaged citizens, worthy partners. They work to develop their strengths and, where possible, eliminate their shortcomings in order to become as perfect as possible. Also, the concept of restlessness is closely intertwined with the archetype of “self”, which was introduced by Carl Jung. And it is precisely the restlessness of a person as a result of the inability to achieve “selfhood” and self-actualization that is a manifestation of a midlife crisis. According to M. Stein’s definition, such fundamental problems make themselves felt most persistently during this period individual development and personal reflection, such as a feeling of attachment to other people, the experience of their loss, a sense of self-identity, hope and despair. A person's fundamental integrity is often tested almost to the point of breaking. Anyone who survives this difficult journey and sets out on a calm sea never remains the same. The midlife crisis breaks some, while it makes others whole. Out of crisis comes a deeper form of wholeness than ever imagined.

Erikson's theory focuses on childhood developmental stages; its discussion of middle age is brief and couched in very general terms. Theorists who have focused on middle age have attempted to elaborate on some of the problems of this age by describing larger number important issues and defining a greater number of stages. It is important to note that these stages were developed almost exclusively from studies of middle-class white people. Classic example This is served by the periodization of Levinson's life. Moreover, I would like to note that the overwhelming number of works devoted to the midlife crisis are devoted to the consideration of this problem in men. Apparently, this is due to the fact that in the past it was men who pursued a career, provided for loved ones, spent more time in the company of other people and, accordingly, the manifestations of a midlife crisis were noticed and described precisely by their example. Whereas women, being often limited in communication to a fairly narrow circle of people and not showing their mental anguish in full view of strangers, have not attracted such close attention from researchers of the problem we are considering. But the female midlife crisis is no less, and sometimes even more acute, problem, requiring long, thorough and attentive work, both by the psychologist and the client herself.

However, before we turn in more detail to the problem of midlife crisis in women, let us consider the manifestations of this problem, which are almost the same in people of both sexes. The most important point mental development, relating to the midlife crisis, is associated with a fundamental change in attitude - from Ego identity to Self identity. If this transformation is unsuccessful, the second half of life will be permeated with feelings of dissatisfaction and bitterness, a feeling of the death of inner meaning (neurosis). A positive outcome from a midlife crisis bodes well for growth creative potential, gaining wisdom, a correct and holistic understanding of oneself in old age. Psychologists describe the path to overcoming the midlife crisis in different ways, but in general, many agree with the periodization of this crisis proposed by Stein. He identifies three stages in the midlife transformation process:

The first stage is associated with irretrievable loss and requires parting with the past - past dreams, myths, ideals, illusions. They must be mourned and buried.
After this, a period of “suspense” and uncertainty begins: many questions arise, the main one of which is the question of one’s previous identity and understanding of oneself. This critical stage is called liminality. It is important to note that the period of liminality is not ending soon. An attempt to end this period prematurely leads to the cessation of the realization of creative potential, jeopardizing its existence and the transition to the next stage of life. During this period, the formation of a new world takes place, and this requires time.
And finally, in the third stage, it is born new personality, and she also needs time to show her characteristics and gain stable position in life. I would like to note that it is not possible to accurately identify the boundaries of these stages; one smoothly passes into the other, and in some cases they are repeated through incomplete or ineffective experience of the midlife crisis.

In the period between thirty and forty years (it should immediately be noted that this gradation by age is quite arbitrary and inaccurate, and in the opinion domestic psychologists For residents of Russia, the numbers are even more different) many come to reassess their previous choices of a spouse, career, and life goals. Sometimes it comes to divorce and changing professions. Also, the first years after thirty are usually a time of coming to terms with new or reaffirmed choices and life goals. The most noticeable and potentially valuable symptom in middle age is internal conflict. "Absolutely unbearable internal discord, writes Jung, is proof of your authentic life. Life without internal contradictions- this is either only half of life, or life in the Beyond, which only angels live.". Midlife transformation is key point in the transition from the first half of life to the second. It reflects not only the crisis of the Ego, but also the possibility of the emergence of an individual personality, the birth of a new personal center in consciousness - the Self. What will take root during this period in personal history, will bear its psychological fruits throughout the subsequent life of the individual.

There are several fairly typical descriptions of problems collected by researchers of the problem described, which are given by people during a midlife crisis:

A person understands that he has already achieved what he wanted, that this is the maximum, there is nowhere else to strive;
Instead of peak reached a person finds a plateau where only part of what was planned was realized. For example, a career, a smart child, and divorced husband/wife. Or, husband/wife, children, interesting job where you are appreciated, but rental apartment and always barely have enough money until salary. Or money, career, ideal marriage, but no children, and no longer healthy to give birth;
It happens that a midlife crisis begins when something happens in life. For example, instead of a high position, which you have been striving for for a long time, there is a collapse of your career or an irreparable and untimely loss.
It may be that, postponing everything for later, a person notices that others have long overtaken him, and he is unlikely to have time to make up for the lost time of his life.

This period of life is also called the “decade of doom” and the “midlife crisis.” Its main characteristic is the awareness of the discrepancy between a person’s dreams and life goals and the reality of his existence. Since human dreams almost always have some unrealistic features, sometimes even fantastic, the assessment of their discrepancy with reality during this period is colored, as a rule, in negative and emotionally painful tones. Time is running out in order to reveal the gap between dreams and reality quite clearly, sharply and painfully for a person. Quite often during this period a person feels a feeling of emptiness and a lack of meaning in life. Most scientists note some characteristic features of this period:

long-term moods of apathy and depression, feelings of disillusionment and disappointment either in life in general or in certain people, which were previously idealized;
the dreams of youth disappear or are rudely destroyed;
Anxiety about death creeps into the soul, and people often say that their life will end before they can “really live.”

Liberation from illusions, which is not unusual at 35 or 40 years of age, can be threatening to the individual. Dante described his own confusion at the beginning of the decade of fate: “Having completed half my earthly life, I found myself in a dark forest, having lost the right path in the darkness of the valley.”

Often these changes relate to the intensity of work: for example, brilliant impulsiveness and creativity gushing with new ideas gives way to a more mature and sometimes quite conservative approach to business. This is often associated with a decrease physical strength a person at this age, the restructuring of the hormonal system and the resulting requirement of the body for more careful attitude to yourself and the correct assessment of your physical and emotional resources. Indeed, one of the reasons for the midlife crisis is that the “impulsive brilliance” of youth requires great vitality. At least partly these are physical forces, but no one can maintain them indefinitely. At 35 or 40 years old, a person leading a busy life must change the pace of his life and not “exert himself” so much. Thus, the problem of diminishing physical strength inevitably arises in the life of a person of any profession.

Main problems

Decrease in physical strength and attractiveness- one of the many problems that a person faces during the midlife crisis and after it. For those who relied on their physical qualities, when I was younger, middle age can be a period of severe depression. Stories of handsome men and charming women struggling with destructive effect time, have become commonplace. The natural disaster of declining physical strength affects people in an unexpectedly wide range of professions. Many people remember with regret their ability to spend several days without sleep during their student years if an important matter required it. Many people simply complain that they start to get tired too often. Although a well-designed daily exercise program and an appropriate diet work, most people in middle age begin to rely more and more on their “brains” rather than their “brawn.” They find new advantages in knowledge that accumulates life experience; they gain wisdom.

Second main question middle age is sexuality. The average person exhibits some variation in interests, abilities and opportunities, especially as children grow older. Many people are amazed at how big a role sexuality played in their relationships when they were younger. On the other hand, we can see many examples of how a middle-aged man or woman continues to consider every person of the opposite sex as a potential sexual partner, interacting with him only in one dimension - “attraction-repulsion”, and people of the same sex are considered as "rivals". In more successful cases of maturity, other people are accepted as individuals, as potential friends. “Socialization” replaces “sexualization” in relationships with people, and these relationships often take on "that depth of mutual understanding that the previous, more egocentric sexual attitude blocked to a certain extent"(Pitch).

Consent in midlife requires considerable flexibility. One important view flexibility includes "the ability to vary emotional investment from person to person and from activity to activity". Emotional flexibility is necessary, of course, at any age, but in middle age it becomes especially important as parents die and children grow up and leave home. The inability to engage emotionally with new people and new activities leads to the kind of stagnation that Erickson described. By stagnation, Erikson understood a state when a person stops growing and enriching himself and accepts the current reality as a given, which cannot be changed. In its most severe forms, stagnation manifests itself not only in humility before reality, but also in constant self-indulgence in everything. A person perceives himself as a small child who needs to be constantly pampered and comes to a feeling of complete inner emptiness.

Another type of flexibility that is also necessary for successful maturity is “spiritual flexibility.” Among people mature age there is a certain tendency towards increasing rigidity in their views and actions, towards making their minds closed to new ideas. This mental rigidity must be overcome or it will develop into intolerance or bigotry. In addition, rigid attitudes lead to mistakes and an inability to perceive creative solutions problems.

Stabilization

Successful resolution of a midlife crisis usually involves a reformulation of goals within the framework of a more realistic and restrained point of view, an awareness of the limited time of every person's life. Spouse, friends and children acquire everything higher value, while one’s own self is increasingly deprived of its exclusive position (Gould). There is an increasing tendency to be content with what we have and to think less about things that we will most likely never achieve. There is a clear tendency to feel one's own situation is quite satisfactory. All these changes mark next stage personality development, the period of “new stability” (Gould). The period of destructuring and separation is left behind: the general disintegration of the Persona and identity, consciously supported and approved value priorities, self-images, dreams of the future, ideals. All this is put aside, and the liberation of the soul that resided in them opens the gate to the realm of psychological "swimming." Now an unknown, unclear path opens up before a person: he can no longer be guided by collective values, the ideals of his youth, or his old habits; he is overcome by an uneasy feeling of uncertainty in which direction he should go. A person in confusion and anxiety stands at some internal crossroads. Psychological functions and the attitudes that may have guided us in the past now seem unconvincing.

For many, the process of renewal that begins when they face their illusions and physical decline ultimately leads them to a calmer and even happier life. D. Hollis very interestingly and at the same time accurately and briefly defined the need for such an update: “If a person’s development is hampered by the previous value system, which deprives him of his strength, then this value system you have to suffer, include it in your conscious choice and live it."

Now let us turn directly to the issue of midlife crisis in women (the definition was introduced into psychology by Eliot Jacques). Let's consider the most common manifestations of this period of life among representatives of the fair sex.

Midlife crisis in women

It turns out that for men and women the concept of “middle age” in relation to the crisis we are all familiar with can be different. For women the most critical age The new moment occurs at approximately 30-35 years old, and for men - at 40-45. Therefore, sometimes scientists distinguish two midlife crises - the thirty-year-old and the forty-year-old - the first can also occur in men, but more often manifests itself in women, and the second, on the contrary, is more characteristic of men, but can also be found in women.

The reasons for this age difference between the sexes lie in the biological differences between the male and female bodies, and, accordingly, in the social norms formed on this basis.

The reproductive age of a woman is much shorter than that of a man. For this reason, both hormonal changes in the body and social conditions contribute to the collection of psychological states. You need to get married and have your first child before the age of 30, and plan your second one before the age of 40. For a man, this kind of framework is not physiologically determined and is not tied to social norms.
At 30-35 years old, a woman can feel the fading of her youth, attractiveness, and beauty. A man, on the contrary, is able to feel the flourishing of his masculine strength, masculinity and attractiveness.

There are women who are more family-oriented, and there are those for whom, like men, the main thing is career, and family is important, but in second place after work.

For women who are busy with husbands and children, as a rule, the family is a meaning-forming element; through children they find the meaning of their lives. Simply put, they have no time and no need to set goals and objectives. Getting ready for school, studying, getting married, raising grandchildren - tasks and goals find them themselves, and the midlife crisis passes unnoticed. But if such a woman’s children and husband are taken away (children have grown up and moved away, divorce from her husband, untimely death of a child or husband), then the crisis passes through like a difficult grieving process, and often you cannot get through it without the help of a specialist. For example, a woman who was initially career-oriented by her character and life aspirations, but was unable to realize herself due to the birth and upbringing of children, begins to experience problems with self-esteem, comparing herself with friends who were able to make a career and realize themselves professionally. plan. Seeing that by the age of 30, her peers occupy important positions, lead an intense life, go on vacation abroad, they have a certain reputation, they are seen as someone more than just a woman.

At this option crisis, it is necessary to help a woman think about changing her life, decide to make changes. The children have already become a little more independent (at least they have gone to school), which means you can devote time to your personal growth. Find a job, sign up for advanced training courses, start learning a foreign language. Setting new goals is the best way out of the crisis.

If both work and family are important to a woman, then such a woman in the middle of her life evaluates herself on two counts, and, of course, is more critical of herself, because it's hard to be the same good specialist and a good mother and wife. Such a woman has a higher standard that she sets for herself, and therefore she experiences a midlife crisis violently and painfully.

The most difficult version of the midlife crisis is usually experienced by women who do not have children. Children, especially for women, are an important confirmation that one has not lived one’s life in vain. Children can also justify some “shortcomings”, for example, not finishing college, because... a child appeared, recovered after childbirth, etc. If there are no children, then the question always arises: for what did you live half your life, and for what should you live next? So, a business woman who spent her entire youth fighting on corporate fronts, building her career, achieving professional victories, pushed the issue of having a child into the background. And for such a woman, the crisis is expressed in the fact that she begins to compare herself with her peers who have already realized themselves in motherhood. By the age of 33-35, many women have already given birth to one, or even two, or three children. And the awakened maternal instinct, the desire to give birth in a woman who was passionately engaged only in her career, becomes the cause of serious mental discord. She begins to understand that the years go by, but there is no child. And for a woman this is the most important thing.

In this case, nature itself reminds her of a natural process for her - the birth of a child. By switching her life to solving this issue and becoming a mother, a woman will be able to overcome her personal crisis.

Rarely, but there is another option. There are women in whom the maternal instinct has never developed, and yet they are completely devoted to work and career. In this case, their midlife crisis is not much different from a man's. Unless they go on dizzying sprees, as men do, because they see the main reason for their failures - loved one, wife.

Here the psychologist recommends trying to diversify your life, acquiring new hobbies - yoga, dancing, a macramé club - whatever, the main thing is that they help distract you and make it easier to bear time of crisis. Also, you should not cool down your work ardor, because it is at this age that appointments to important positions and positions most often occur. And don't forget about a positive attitude.

Let's summarize. Which women experience a particularly acute midlife crisis?

Women who do not have children.
Women who have untimely lost their children or husband.
Self-critical, demanding women.
Single women, because We find the meaning of our lives through other people. Not in other people, no, but through other people. Lonely people find themselves without support during a crisis.
Those women who separated from their parents late, experienced the teenage crisis late and did not have time to realize own goals and dreams.

A woman suddenly becomes overly irritable, begins to do everything the opposite, stops listening to loved ones and relatives, neglects relationships with friends;
A woman who led an active lifestyle suddenly becomes depressed, showing apathy and laziness. She stops doing basic and usual things;
There are sudden mood swings. Energy and cheerfulness are instantly replaced by disappointment;
The woman has the feeling that she has little time left, that she has lived more than she has left to live. A woman begins to evaluate her goals and achievements, life plans;
The woman becomes dissatisfied, she stops liking her job, she is annoyed by her family and partner;
A woman may leave her partner for a wealthier man in order to feel social and moral stability;
A woman wants to feel younger, so she starts wearing youthful clothes, gets a youthful haircut, starts having fun like a youth, her habits and tastes may change;
The woman begins to feel that her attractiveness is disappearing, and she experiences changes in sexual activity;
During this period, problems with alcohol may arise.

In the first place, according to many psychologists, is the advice not to bring yourself to the point of chronic fatigue syndrome and overwork, since in such a state a midlife crisis certainly cannot be avoided. After all, irritability and fatigue are often its companions. Therefore, you should try to rest and relax more often. It's better if it's with the help active rest. Trips to nature with the whole family or hiking, etc.
The second recommendation is that if you still don’t have a hobby, find one. Meet new people with whom you have similar interests, spend more time with friends, do what you love. Try changing your usual lifestyle.
Third, analyze your attitude towards work. Do you like what you have to do? Do you receive a return from your work, both materially and in moral satisfaction? Does your work benefit anyone? How well do you cope with the assigned tasks? If the answers are mostly negative, think about it: maybe it’s time to find a more suitable option for yourself?
Another recommendation is to try not to spoil relationships with your loved ones and family. After all, only they can always support difficult situation. Build trusting relationships with children, devote more time to your spouse, and take care of your parents.
Another piece of advice: don’t idealize yourself, you need to look at things realistically. This helps a person understand himself faster. According to psychologists, it is better to admit to yourself some mistakes and mistakes that were made in the process of life, try to correct them, than to keep silent about these situations and pretend that everything is fine.

Often a midlife crisis is accompanied by a fear of imminent old age, a fear of becoming frail and useless to anyone. In this case it is worth remembering famous people who, at a fairly advanced age, continued their active work, wrote books, paintings, etc. So life goes on, don't be afraid!

Midlife crisis in women aged 40 is an expression probably known to many. The midlife crisis in women occurs 10 years earlier and is more difficult to endure than in men, due to emotionality, sensitivity and greater vulnerability.

The term midlife crisis refers to a condition that occupies a certain time period at a specific age and is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. For some, this period proceeds gently and unnoticed, but for others it is filled with poor health and mood.

Causes and manifestations of the crisis of 40 years in women

The crisis of 40 years in women can be recognized by the following manifestations:

1. Frequent mood swings and unmotivated irritability appear.

2. There is a tendency to destructive introspection, anxiety, and prolonged depression.

3. The desire to do anything disappears, a constant conviction appears that everything is unnecessary and boring.

4. It seems that everything urgently needs to be changed: wardrobe, hairstyle, main activity, hobbies, husband.

This condition occurs in women over 40 years of age due to certain psychological reasons and life circumstances. These include the following, the most common:

1. “Suddenly” children grow up and have their own families and interests - a feeling of uselessness, unemployment and meaninglessness of existence arises, and the feeling of the rapid approach of old age intensifies.

2. Along with these circumstances and thoughts, nostalgia arises about the passing of youth, because a woman at this age still has “huge plans” and many unfulfilled desires and dreams, but comes the understanding that they may not come true.

3. Responsibility to the family inhibits actions aimed at promoting some personal ambitions and hobbies in life.

4. If a woman by this age does not have children and a husband, this period is especially difficult. Severe depression may develop due to constant thoughts that a lot has been missed in life, and this cannot be made up due to age and other reasons. The absence of a family for some 40-year-old women leads to decisive active actions by searching for the “other half”. This can lead to the collapse of someone else’s family or the appearance of a “second half” in the person of a person too young in age, which will create additional problems and experiences in the form of condemnation or contempt from others.

5. The midlife crisis does not go away easily for women who have achieved everything they aspired and planned for. Successful women they go in search of an “extra” place in life, because they believe that all the peaks have been conquered and new ones no longer exist.

Possible solutions to the midlife crisis in women

Since the midlife crisis in women over 40 is a psychological problem of this age, you can find a solution if you distract yourself from it and from the thoughts that arise in connection with it. You cannot ignore your condition, “endure” and wait for everything to be resolved by itself: such a passive position can lead not only to general poor condition and depression, but also to diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine systems, and sometimes to more dire consequences.

Psychologists believe that during a crisis, there is no need to try to escape from your new state and not notice what is happening. It is necessary to objectively approach the assessment of new life situation, accept it and continue to live in the current conditions, remaining healthy and interesting person.

Therefore, all measures must be taken to get out of this situation with the least losses. This can be facilitated by:

- increased rest, relaxation;

- reading new books, new information will provide an opportunity to escape from obsessive sad thoughts;

- going to the theater, concerts classical music, at various exhibitions they can “switch” to a different wavelength;

- proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle will improve your condition;

— interesting courses, the attendance of which will broaden your horizons, bring new acquaintances and distract you from sad thoughts;

- change an uninteresting and boring job;

- come up with a hobby;

- try to turn your hobby into a small business, thereby getting pleasure not only for yourself, but also delivering it to your customers;

- give a birth to a baby.

These are not all the ways to solve the problem of midlife crisis in women. You can come up with many activities that will distract you and give you new impetus and energy for a future happy life. It is important not to become isolated or self-isolate during this period. And remember that the crisis of 40 years for women is a gradual release of stress accumulated over the entire previous life. You can look at it from a positive point of view: this is a wonderful occasion and another chance to find new talents and realize them. If you don’t change your life suddenly and instantly, you have the opportunity to get a lot positive emotions and unexpected prospects.

Another aspect of the dangerous period

There is another aspect of the midlife crisis in women over 40 years old. It is rather physiological.

At this age, your appearance may change: by the age of forty, metabolic processes in the body slow down, muscle mass decreases, and the fat layer, on the contrary, increases. This process is expressed in every woman to a greater or lesser extent.

Stress and anxiety “fuel” these changes, because when there is unrest in large quantities cortisol is formed. This is a hormone of the adrenal cortex, which, in response to stress, is secreted by the adrenal medulla and provokes the active proliferation of fat cells. In addition, cortisol suppresses the immune system, which leads to the development of various disorders and diseases in a woman’s body.

A powerful release of cortisol also occurs with constant “lack of sleep”, stormy nightlife, absence good rest for a long time.

In cases where to the listed factors endless sad thoughts about age, one’s own uselessness and changing appearance are added, in addition to the resulting depression if this is not interrupted in time vicious circle, you will have to deal with serious diseases that arise against the background of a sharply declining immunity, the list of which often includes cancer - the “disease of sadness”.

Positive thinking - important point in solving the problem

Therefore, during a crisis, it is more important to concentrate not on what has not been done and what has not been achieved, but on the positive aspects of the past. This will give impetus to thinking about and implementing new plans, and will give strength to survive this difficult period. There will be not only a way out crisis situation, but also the entrance to a new “era” of life. The main thing is to correctly place the emphasis and try to constantly think not about what you failed to accomplish in your life, but about what good happened during this period. In any situation it is necessary to find positive aspects.

New relationships are one solution

A midlife crisis in women aged 40 is accompanied not only by personality restructuring, but also by changes in relationships. During this period, it is necessary to correctly evaluate your relationship with your partner, understand where they do not satisfy both, and discuss it. If a crisis occurs at a time when a loved one is not around, you need to understand whether you need a partner and what kind of relationship you would like to have with him, what you need to do and how to change yourself in order to find such a “half”.

During this difficult period, it is important to learn psychological techniques relieving stress - this will help slow down the aging process and prevent the emergence of new diseases.

Reassessment of values is an important step towards positivity

It is very important during this difficult period to reassess values and appreciate the good that already exists in life. Appreciate, and not take for granted, the fact that there are children and a husband, parents, friends, a favorite job or work in general. Every woman has something good in her life that she can focus on and appreciate. Then you will be able to survive difficult times without losses for yourself and your loved ones.

No matter what, you need to strive to maintain psychological youth, try to be busy, active, enthusiastic, and not cultivate sad thoughts. And then the crisis at the end will give new strength and energy, and, therefore, a new interesting life, or calmness and balance. But life will go on!

For some reason, it is generally accepted that representatives of the fair sex experience the most severe psychological crises in adolescence and during menopause. Recently, the topic of PMS has been often exploited. But in reality, everything is a little more complicated. Even the same premenstrual syndrome should be considered not so much a fault as a misfortune for a woman. And besides these hormonal imbalances, the fair half has many more reasons to experience not the best psychological states. A critical look at one’s own life is inherent not only to middle-aged men, and not only representatives of the stronger sex are trying to somehow realize themselves. Women do this too: some more successfully, some less successfully. And for some, their whole life seems to be going downhill. And the time comes to realize this...

What is a midlife crisis in women?

This concept usually includes depression, feelings of despair and other negative emotional states associated with overestimation. life values and a critical look at the past years. A woman may feel a loss of meaning in life.

At what age can it appear?

Many crises of this kind are often associated with a restructuring of the psyche, which is why it is often mentioned adolescence. In fact, a person goes through several such crises from birth. The first one is just something three years old when the child begins to feel like an individual. Experts gave the second one six or seven years, by the way, at the same time the girls go to school. 14–15 years is another crisis point when the child begins to become an adult. In girls, this development of personality is usually more acute than in boys. But when it comes to the midlife crisis, no one can give clear age estimates, because everything here is individual. Graduated from university and went to work - a crisis could happen. I got married and gave birth to my first child - and here you may encounter depressive state. But even these periods cannot be attributed specifically to middle age, because it comes later. For example, finishing your studies at higher education educational institutions– this is usually 22–25 years old. They are now trying to delay the birth of children until they are 30 years old, but still, it is far from the conventional “equator” of life here. A person is psychologically programmed to live 90–100 years, no matter what fate is in store for him. Therefore, it is most correct to call a woman’s midlife crisis the period after 40 years. If we start from statistics, according to which the average life expectancy of women is about 75 years, then we can add to this the crises that occur at the age of 30–35 years. At the same time, we cannot ignore the category of girls and women who had to face postpartum depression, unemployment after receiving education, creating a not very successful family union and other reasons that can permanently upset the psyche and lead to complete apathy or despair.

How long can it last

It is difficult to compare a crisis state with a cold: I was sick for two weeks at most, and again I was like a cucumber! Psychological crises are a long process, from which you can get out of it in a few years. That is why there is always the fear of staying in this state forever. On average, a woman may experience disappointment in own life within 2.5 years. And often there are few understanding people who can get you out of this situation. They will rather judge you, say that you are an adult, but you are behaving like an offended child. And during this considerable period of time, you can not only lose friends, but also lose a loved one. You may simply stop understanding each other. And if your partner doesn’t understand at this time that you need moral support more than ever, then he has good chance to be kicked out of your life forever. And this is not always a divorce; often a husband and wife continue to coexist in the same living space, but their relationship becomes colorless, and they themselves become strangers to each other. And this is one of the characteristic signs of a midlife crisis.

The main signs of a midlife crisis in women

How do you know if an age crisis has sneaked up on you? There are several characteristic signs of this condition:

it began to seem to you that the reality in life does not correspond too much to your expectations; your mood becomes clearly changeable; tension arises in relationships with people around you; you want to suddenly leave for the village (another city, country) and quit your job; it seems that everything that being done around has simply lost its meaning. In other words, the woman seems to be losing her footing; she would be glad to change her life, but she can no longer say exactly what she wants, and she desperately no longer believes in anything good. Only one feeling remains with her: life has reached a dead end. But if you can get out of an ordinary dead end - a spatial one - by going back, then rewinding time back and returning to your previous years will no longer be possible. It seems unrealistic to get out, because you understand that starting all over again is already too late. But what to do then? Soberly assess the situation and correlate it with your capabilities and age. Often a woman has to “pull herself out of the swamp by her own hair,” because it is impossible to hope for outside help: it is difficult to find a person who would bother with you day after day until your condition improves.

The most common symptoms of age crisis in women

So, let's start fighting. First, let's get to know the enemy by sight. Who is he? This is not a husband who seems like a klutz and a blockhead or, conversely, a tyrant and despot. These are not stupid subordinates, and not a tyrant boss. This is not a university teacher - a pompous turkey with an academic degree, who has one thing on his mind - to look under the skirts of students. The enemy is wrong emotional condition, because of which you begin to take everything with hostility. And myself – first of all. How does this happen in at different ages?

Manifestations of the crisis at 20–25 years of age

Agree, if you are happy with everything, then you will not be annoyed by some womanizer teacher or scandalous boss, who, after stamping his feet and giving free rein to his voice, will still increase your salary. Both from study and from work you come home, and this is the place you have staked on in your life. Yes, you will finish studying sooner or later, and it’s easy to change jobs when you’re young. Family is a more serious level, and if you recently got married, then this is where dangers may lie in wait for you:

dissatisfaction with your choice: the husband did not live up to expectations; conflicts with the older generation, rejection of your son-in-law by your mother-in-law, and you by your mother-in-law; inability to get pregnant if you want to have a child; pregnancy unwanted by the husband and, as a result, the demand for an abortion; difficult birth and subsequent depression. All this leads to a psychological crisis, which is expressed in apathy and a tendency to self-examination. In religion, this state is called despondency and is considered a sin. You can ask a priest for ways out, but not every church minister will have something to advise. Psychiatrists call it depression and treat it with pills. But “loading” yourself with drugs and becoming addicted to them is also not an option. At this age, you need to overcome yourself and start acting on your own.

Symptoms of the crisis at 30–35 years old

At this age, those women who have not managed to complete the tasks they have set for themselves are often subject to crisis. For example, they were so carried away by their career that they did not have time to give birth to a baby. But it's not too late! However, this can cause you to lose positions at work. It is this duality that leads to emotional breakdowns. Another option is that you managed to get married and have children. And if the child is not alone, then somehow the career didn’t work out. Not only can more fuel be added to the fire successful girlfriends, but also your own spouse, who will say that he has nothing to talk to you about. He is a top manager at good standing, and diaper pots, bibs and nappies do not interest him. And these treacherous speeches from the most dear man, who should be your support!

Midlife crisis at 40–45 years old

This period can be classified as middle age. And the crisis in these years is aggravated by the woman’s poor health, because menopause comes. Hormonal changes, alas, cannot but affect the emotional sphere of a person. In addition, many people show signs of old age. Someone can't stop dialing excess weight, someone at the mirror spends a long time looking at the wrinkles on the face or gray hair. And some already believe that no amount of cosmetics will help, and plastic surgery is beyond their means. So the crisis of this age can be characterized as a fear of loss of youth, fertility and as an awareness of the impossibility of changing something in one’s life. This may be mixed with the fear of loneliness, because many women grow up with children and go into independent life. At this point, the husband may simply leave the family or start an affair on the side. It’s also very easy to lose your job today, and your colleagues will remember you less and less.

Is it possible to overcome a midlife crisis without outside help?

Of course, it would be nice to enlist the help of an experienced psychoanalyst, but not every woman can afford it. But there is always the opportunity to surround yourself with literature of relevant content and conduct a whole study of advice on the Internet. And it doesn’t matter how your crisis unfolds - violently or quietly, the main thing is to find a foothold and begin to act. It is action that can bring you out of your stupor, and the smallest victories will inspire you to act further.

Psychology: how to quickly and easily survive a midlife crisis

It's time to act. To begin with, stop comparing yourself to others. You are an individual, and also bright. You can't have everything like other people. Let it not be! You tried to be like everyone else, which means you constantly drove yourself into a corner, shoved your “I” into a dungeon, the main things for you were children, husband or team. Now is the time to understand who you are in this world. A grain of sand or a grain ready to become a beautiful flower? Have wrinkles appeared around your eyes? Put on your sunglasses. If you wear glasses all the time, get tinted lenses. Dye your hair if it's gray. Get a cute haircut or French braids. Try, experiment until you like yourself, and don’t pay attention to what others say about your appearance. And if you don’t like yourself, then you won’t be able to crawl out of the crisis. Now you respect yourself and can love yourself. Choose beautiful clothes for yourself, sew colored buttons on your coat - color your gray world and drag yourself “by the hair” further. Get into the habit of eating vegetables and fruits: they charge you with energy. But you need to quit smoking or eating stress chips. If you don’t have money for fitness, then just do light exercises in the morning. Remember: difficult exercises are not for a crisis. You need to start with something that is guaranteed to work out so that you can praise yourself. Meet your friends, communicate with colleagues, even those who are younger than you. Sincere communication with such people will make you young too. As soon as you feel that the energy has gone, try to do the same thing as during a crisis: delve into yourself - and you will see a real way out of the situation. What if you really need to change jobs, ask for a promotion from your boss, or just go on vacation and have a good time there? You can also just find yourself a friend who will be instead of a lover. You don’t have to let such a person get too close to you, but if he is a true gentleman, then next to him you will quickly feel that you are a lady. Self-esteem will rise on its own. However, there is a danger in such platonic relationships: they may be in danger of breaking, because men often want carnal pleasure from a woman, and without achieving it, they become disappointed and begin to look for another object of sympathy. Here you need to look at the circumstances.

The most critical age for women - statistics

Still, most psychologists believe that the most severe crisis in a woman coincides with the menopause. For different representatives of the fair sex, this process proceeds differently, and some experience early menopause, while others experience late menopause. This condition causes many health problems. Not only does the hormonal balance collapse, but all the sores that previously did not manifest themselves so actively “creep out” into the light. Like an old lady, your joints begin to ache, your blood pressure jumps, your skin becomes rough, headaches and migraines appear... In general, you would like to lie down on the sofa and have them fan you. And you have to work, do housework, raise children. If there is no health, then no activity will bring satisfaction. When, along with all this, a revision of life values also occurs, the crisis turns out to be severe. It is at this age that one often has to think about old age, and sometimes notice signs of aging, moreover, more significant than some wrinkle on the forehead or gray hair in the hair There comes an understanding that many processes cannot be reversed. Alas, old age is one of the most long periods life, and you need to be able to accept it morally for it to really be long. Psychologists have noticed that there are women who have not faced a midlife crisis at all, despite the fact that their lives were far from ideal. It was just so eventful that there was simply no time left for soul-searching. To the point where someone’s age of crisis coincided with wartime. The desire to survive and save children, worry about relatives who went to the front, evacuation or occupation - all this is a powerful stress, but at the same time - significant emotional work. And then - the joy of victory, the restoration of the country from ruins and the associated enthusiasm. Life conditions- to put it mildly, not the best, but there is faith and even every reason to believe that everything will soon change for the better. In peacetime, you can also change something for the better:

adventure literature

And no matter how wonderful works with a sad ending may be, during a period of psychological crisis they are prohibited from reading and viewing. If you are starting a new business, then it should not be too difficult for you, otherwise failures will lead to even greater depression. It’s better to describe everything to yourself step by step, and rejoice at each new achievement. And then that swamp from which you are pulling yourself by the hair will soon become for you a clear surface of water along which you glide on water skis.

Until recently, women did not think about the midlife crisis and did not associate changes in their behavior with it. It was believed that ridiculous actions and dark thoughts were characteristic only of men. But, as it turns out, women are also susceptible to crisis.

What psychologists say

The midlife crisis in women, as in men, is associated with internal problem, which is characterized by a loss of meaning in life. A person falls into a state in which his personality ceases to function as before. Habitual patterns of behavior stop working and bringing satisfaction. The crisis is associated with a revaluation of all values, which occurs as a result of the accumulation of life experience and new outlooks on life. As a rule, this period falls on 30-40 years. Naturally, deviation up or down is quite acceptable. This condition is very similar to that experienced by a teenager in adolescence.

But a midlife crisis is different in that a woman usually needs to get out of it on her own, and no one can give her practical advice, as in her youth. In fact, no one cares much about women’s experiences: the parents have grown old or are no longer in this world, the children are busy with their own problems, the man considers all this to be whims. Women have no choice but to rebel within themselves and pull themselves out of this swamp with their own hands.

Features of midlife crisis in women

How the midlife crisis in women will proceed depends on what the priorities were until then. If the main goal is to provide comfort for the husband and children, then depression can set in when the children no longer need constant care and attention. Divorce can also cause a re-evaluation of life and an incentive to change the usual way of life.

If a woman is torn between work and family, then she evaluates herself on two counts. Naturally, she is more critical of herself this way, because it is very difficult to manage everything. Therefore, the bar is very high and it is quite difficult to maintain it.

As practice shows, women who do not have children have the hardest time going through the crisis. They are worried intrusive thought that they had lived their lives in vain. In addition, children can justify some shortcomings: all their free time was spent on upbringing and care, and there was no strength left to take care of their own lives.

How does a crisis begin?

Psychologists believe that age-related crises in women are a rather serious phenomenon, so they pay a lot of attention to the problem. Experts are looking for ways out of depression and are developing complex treatment. This is due to the understanding that since the psyche gives signals, it means that it is necessary to respond to them in a timely manner and not ignore the problem.

Symptoms of age-related mental changes

There are basic signs by which a woman can understand that she needs to take time for herself. To determine whether a woman has a midlife crisis, the symptoms must be considered in their entirety:

Reluctance to do anything, boredom.
Change of partner or instability in relationships.
Desire to change jobs.
Unreasonable changes in mood, strong despair is replaced by unmotivated fun.
Constant anxiety and depression.
Tendency to self-examination, self-deprecating thoughts and actions.
Attempts to radically change your life, from appearance to place of residence.

If the symptoms are observed separately, then it is too early to say that this is a female midlife crisis. But when the signs are present in aggregate, you should be wary and think about it. Depression in its advanced state can negatively affect all areas of life, it does not in the best possible way affects relationships with husband, children, colleagues and other people.

Causes of the crisis

It is almost impossible to say unequivocally what reasons can cause a midlife crisis in women. But experts identify a number of main factors that can provoke such a phenomenon.

Children and motherhood

It often happens that women strive primarily to realize themselves in work and forget about their main purpose - to be a mother. Sometimes they are so obsessed with the desire to give birth that all other colors of life simply fade for them. Such a fixed idea will lead to depression and a deep crisis after some time. There is only one way out of this situation: a woman needs to give birth, and then she will have the meaning of life and the desire to enjoy every day.

Career and self-realization

The age crisis in women, associated with their work activity and self-realization, is very reminiscent of male depression. Constant bustle, running around and a catastrophic lack of time lead to a gloomy mood and cause stress. If you do nothing, depression will not keep you waiting. To avoid this outcome, you need to diversify your leisure time: you can take up dancing or learn to embroider. The activity can be absolutely anything, the main thing is that it should bring pleasure and joy.

Housewife problems

A housewife who has devoted half her life to her husband and children, by the age of 30-40 runs the risk of learning firsthand what a midlife crisis is like for women. Her complexes are due to the fact that she was never able to achieve success and realize herself in her profession. Lack of self-confidence makes a woman completely dependent on her family, which causes her suffering. This can manifest itself in the struggle for attention to one’s person, frequent nitpicking over trifles and various unreasonable demands. Sometimes a woman can even get sick. The best way out is to find a job that will bring you pleasure.

Relations with the husband during this period often reach a dead end, and the family loses its former value. To prevent this from happening, you need to realize that your spouse may also have experiences and problems, that he - individual, which also needs understanding and sympathy. Family is a daily job, and if you do it with pleasure, the result will not be long in coming.

External changes

Women react very painfully to any external manifestations of their age. A new wrinkle or gray hair can ruin their mood for a long time. The natural changes that occur in the body are difficult to correct, so women fall into despair.

Those women who are accustomed to being the center of male attention and arousing admiration react especially acutely to age-related changes. And they have no choice but to learn to be attractive at both 40 and 60 years old. To achieve this, youth outfits and makeup will not be enough. Need to radiate inner confidence in your irresistibility and love yourself at any age. There is no need to compete with girls of 20 years old, sometimes experienced woman looks much sexier.

Effect of hormones

A woman must realize that now she is on the threshold of a new life, so all horizons are open to her; it is enough to find her way. People often waste time building castles in the air.

At this age, women experience hormonal changes, which naturally lead to sudden mood changes. There is no need to give in to emotions and invent problems for yourself that actually do not exist. Women tend to exaggerate and hype themselves up. But this will not lead to anything good, it will only provoke new stress. There is no need to compare yourself with others and friends; it is important to work on yourself and change your attitude towards yourself.

How to help yourself?

When looking for ways out of the crisis, you should not forget that there is time to think, and there is time to do. Perhaps now it’s better to hide and be alone with yourself without taking any action. At this time, there may be absent-mindedness and emptiness, so it is very difficult to make decisions adequately. Done during a crisis inner work, which is no less important.

The transition period cannot last very long; sooner or later it will definitely end. But do not confuse the crisis with depression, which does not always go away on its own. In this case, you may need the help of specialists. After crucial moment ends, the woman feels relief and a surge of strength for new achievements.

Healthy Habits

To stay young longer and full of strength, you need to reconsider your diet and habits. Healthy foods will help you feel active and cheerful and fill your body with strength. Maintaining psychological youth for as long as possible is very important. Then interest in life will not disappear, and everyday little things will bring joy. The diet must be filled with green and yellow color, cereals and legumes.

Daily exercise will be a great way to cheer up and take your mind off problems. In addition, this will have a beneficial effect on your appearance: muscles will tighten and fat deposits will begin to disappear. To stay healthy longer, you should limit fatty foods, alcohol, quit smoking and not overeat. These measures will help you understand how to survive a midlife crisis easily.

Communication with loved ones

The turning point makes it possible to evaluate the past years from the perspective of the experience gained and take stock of your actions. Depending on the verdict that the woman makes, you can make adjustments to your life or radically change your usual way of life.

Trainings and seminars

To successfully cope with stress, you need to understand what a midlife crisis is in women. If it is very difficult to change your condition on your own, you can contact a specialist. Thematic seminars and trainings help a lot. There a woman will be taught how to decide complex tasks and set new goals to find peace and recharge your batteries. Such trainings will help you become happy and find your calling in life.

What problems can await a woman at the age of 40?

The crisis of 40 years for women gives them the opportunity to think about their lives, evaluate how successful they were in realizing their desires and what goals they should set for the near future. Surely every woman has something to be proud of, something to improve, and something that needs to be completely gotten rid of.

If feelings of shame, guilt and grief associated with unfulfilled hopes, are strong enough, experts advise taking time out and crying. After you grieve about missed opportunities, the negativity will spill out, and you can set goals with renewed vigor.

Don't focus on what hasn't come true. It's better to praise yourself for what you managed to do. It is necessary to understand that not all dreams come true, and sometimes life does not turn out the way you wanted in childhood.

To age crises in women they were the least painful, so don’t judge yourself too harshly. People often want to do everything according to highest level, but this does not always work out. It is very important to set priorities and emphasis correctly in order to notice not only failures, but also victories. A crisis always entails a restructuring of personality, so you should be more attentive to what your inner voice whispers.

Turning point at 50 years

The crisis of 50 years in women may manifest itself a little differently than at 30-40 years old. The woman has already gotten used to her new body, has come to terms with the fact that age-related changes are inevitable, and has accepted menopause as a given. Experts call this period “new identity.” According to statistics, at this age a woman can cheat on her husband or commit another act that can ruin her life. To avoid trouble, you must always remember that a momentary stupidity is not worth erasing all your achievements. You need to learn to enjoy what you have and strive for the best without destroying your past.

Is it possible to avoid a crisis?

Some women manage to avoid a crisis, but this is rather the exception. At such a turning point in life, it is necessary to find the positives: if you correctly analyze the current circumstances, you can change your life for the better and fill it with new meaning.

Psychologists say that the more complex the crisis, the greater the personal leap a woman can make. The main thing is not to be afraid of change and look forward with optimism.