Signs You’re Having A Midlife Crisis

1. You're Apathetic - No motivation, no enthusiasm!

Image source ChatOwlPersistent apathy can affect so much - your everyday life, your relationships and your overall well-being.  It could involve a lack of motivation and a general indifference about everything. It might also happen due to a mental health issue which may get worse without treatment.

2. You're Gaining Or Losing Weight

Image source The GuardianA Midlife crisis can often share similar traits with depression, where a person might comfort eat and gain weight or be so miserable that they can't bring themselves to cook and eat a meal, causing them to lose weight.  Worrying about either of these weight issues can exacerbate them.

3. You Experience Physical Pain - it's stress...

Image source Daily MailIt's not a secret that psychological issues can manifest themselves into physical symptoms and the same can be said for someone going through a midlife crisis.  Stomach upsets and headaches that aren't associated with any other medical causes might be linked to this emotional crisis.

4. You Make Rash Decisions

Image source Daily ExpressAs a result of much soul searching, it's possible that you've drawn significant conclusions about the state of your life, such as your marriage not being as romantic as you had hoped or your career no longer being fulfilling.  The danger, during a mid life crisis, is making an impulsive decision, a knee-jerk reaction, based on these feelings.

5. You Don't Get Good Quality Sleep

Image source The GuardianIf you’re a middle-aged woman and have trouble sleeping through the night, it could well be due to hormonal changes caused by the menopause.  However, a symptom that you could be experiencing during a mid-life crisis is if you can't relax in bed and your mind is working overtime, stopping you from falling asleep.

6. You Are Constantly Bored

Image source  HelpGuide.org

7. You're Debating But Not Taking Action

Image source HyoomIf you find yourself debating which next step you should to take to improve your personal and professional life but then decide you can't be bothered to make the effort - and it's probably not worth it anyway, then you could be in the middle of a mid life crisis, where you've lost your 'get up and go' attitude.

8. You Dread Getting Out Of Bed

Image source CosmopolitanWhen you find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning, you need to ask yourself why.  Everyone enjoys a lie in but that is different to feeling like you physically CAN'T get up.  You might feel that you can't face the day ahead or that you have nothing worthwhile to get up for -both possible signs of a mid life crisis.

9. Your Life Is On Autopilot

Image source InsiderCatching yourself feeling like you are running on autopilot and not having a goal in sight can be very disheartening.  You may feel you have so much to do  but, broken down, they are small tasks that have been magnified in your mind - a possible sign of going through a mid life crisis.

10. Your Plan Isn't Working Any More

Image source FreepikA tell tale sign you are experiencing a mid-life crisis is that your plans aren't working any more. Everything you've established for yourself, such as your job and your life away from work, now feels stagnant and even stifling. You may find it hard to think of future plans.

11. You've Lost Your Purpose

Image source The MirrorOne of the signs you may be experiencing a mid life crisis is if you have a good think about your life and come up with the conclusion that you don't see a purpose and don't feel you can make a difference, even to your family, now that they are grown up and are not relying on you on a day to day basis.

12. You Become Concerned About Your Appearance

Image source The GuardianWanting to look and feel your best is one thing but staring into your bedroom mirror for ages, pointing out your 'flaws',  such as not having a size 8 toned body, seeing your grey hair grow through the dyed colour and inspecting the wrinkles that we all get at a certain age, is very unhealthy and unrealistic.  If it bothers you so much, you may be at a mid life crsis point in your life

13. Making Changes That Aren't 'You'

Image source Senior PlanetMaking out-of-character changes and we are talking life changes, could be a sign of a midlife crisis.  It's not necessarily a bad thing but it is a time where you can evaluate your life and make positive changes to your lifestyle.  If you can't or won't face this, speaking to a trusted friend who can give their honest feedback, could be the way forward.

14. You Think Of Yourself As Old

Image source Daily ExpressIf you take a quiet moment to close your eyes and ask yourself how old you feel, the answer could speak volumes, particularly if you think you have reached old age, just because you are middle aged.  If you are fortunate enough to have good health, then age is only a number.  Going through a mid life crisis can mean you don't accept this fact and in your mind you think you are an old person.

15. You Feel OK Sometimes

Image source Focused CollectionThere are actually similarities between mid-life and adolescents called 'middle-escents'!  Both can embrace new experiences as they reach another milestone in their lives.  The thing is though that teenagers feel they have their whole life ahead of them whereas those in a mid life crisis sometimes feel they can't deal with it, although on other days, are totally up for it.

16. You Think Your Best Years Have Passed

Image source MGHBelieving that all of the amazing things that will occur during your lifetime have already taken place can be a sign that you're in crisis mode.  You feel there is no excitement left for you to look forward to.  Not feeling good about yourself will allow these thoughts to pop up.

17. You Are Jealous Of Others

Image source Woman's DayWhen you find yourself spending more and more time thinking about what others have achieved and starting to resent these people, this can well be a crisis sign.  You have forgotten about all the accomplishments you have made, both personally and professionally.  Jealousy is a dangerous trait to have.

18. You Would Walk Away From Your 'Success'

Image source iNewsAll it takes is an epiphany to make someone realize how short life is and that tomorrow may never come. As a result, those encountering a mid-life crisis can easily walk away from a successful career in order to pursue a long held dream, no matter how far fetched others would see it.

19. You Are Worried You Already Know The Ending

Image source GransnetIf you have a growing sense that you've already seen this movie a hundred times, you may be feeling that mid life crisis creeping up.  You think you already know how your future has panned out as you can't seem to look forward to new things coming your way.

20. Everything Feels Like A Chore

Image source QuoraMost people get to a point in their lives where they are known for their strengths.  It could be bringing up kids and juggling it with work, successfully at that.  When you are no longer relied upon and you get out of the habit of being useful, everything feels like hard work and a chore.  This could be a sign of a mid life crisis.

21. You Are Playing To Not Lose and Not To Win

Image source The TelegraphThis could be a sign that you have lost that edge you once possessed. You are making decisions based on fear and not from certainty. The fastest way to get out of this mindset is to focus on getting your certainty back and you can do this by taking calculated risks.

22. Successful But Not Satisfied

Image source HuffPostWhen life and work aren't going your way, you need to check in with your strengths and values.  That feeling of, 'is this all there is?' occurs when we move off centre, into crisis mode.  The thrill of succeeding stops having that adrenalin rush and you wonder whether success is enough.

23. You're Overwhelmed By The Ticking Clock

Image source RedditAs the years roll by, sometimes we can become overwhelmed by the time we have left to live out our dreams and create our very best life. This often results in the burning desire to, for example, sell up and travel the world in a motor home.  When you think hard about it, you may have had that dream for years but now feel it's now or never.

24. You're Confused And Unclear On Your Direction

Image source Woman's DayFeeling confused can mean that you are no longer satisfied with what you are doing now or where you are in life - a sign of a mid life crisis. You may still be very good at whatever it is but not sure it's the direction you want to continue with.  Creating a plan might help you feel better.

25. You Think Every Bad Day Is Due To A Mid Life Crisis

Image source QuoraEven though the term 'mid life crisis', was coined in 1965, recent research indicates that this so called crisis may not even exist.  Happiness doesn't not come to an abrupt halt as soon as you turn 50.   Also, everyone has a bad day, regardless of their age.  If you are having lots of bad days, do something useful to help your confidence return.

26. You Buy A Harley Davidson And All The Leathers

Image source VisordownWhen you see middle aged man dressed head to foot in motorbike leathers and getting excited as he revs up his Harley motor bike, then you are probably correct in thinking he's suffering with a mid life crisis.  As long as he's safe, it can be a positive addition to his belongings as he travels around the country with like minded people.

27. You Think About (Or Are) Having An Affair

Image source Guy StuffAfter spending many years with your spouse and wondering what it would be like to be with a different partner is usually just a fantasy.  However, for a minority who are maybe going through a mid life crisis, they might get the opportunity.  They often think that if no one knows and you're not splitting up, then there's no harm.

28. You Drink Too Many Units Of Alcohol

Image source Entertainment DailyIf you are at crisis point in your middle age, you could have lots of negative thoughts going through your mind, even if you usually have a positive outlook on life.  Alcohol can numb those feelings and at the time feels sociable and acceptable.  If you're drinking every night and that is out of character for you, you need to think about what lift your mood, not counting the bottle.

29. You Become Nostalgic

Image source The New York TimesAt mid life, it's not uncommon to ponder 'what if' and think about the past through rose coloured glasses.  Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have any responsibility, no nagging partner and no home improvements to think about.  Only thing is, that might be mid life but it's not real life.  You are not the same person as you were in your twenties.  It's all a fantasy.

30. You Want Cosmetic Surgery

Image source Psychology TodayThis goes for both males and females.  When they see what is looking back at them in the mirror, they might not like the fact that they look older.  They feel they can't hide their age and want cosmetic surgery to bring back their youth - and the feelings that went with it.  They are in for a disappointment.  Embrace yourself, whatever your age - it's your heart that others will warm to.

31. You're Lacking Confidence

Image Source / Tiny BuddhaThis might be a lack of confidence in yourself, or confidence in where you're at in life. You might feel particularly unconfident after a huge milestone has been met, such as a career perk or a huge bit birthday milestone.

32. You're Feeling Very Unfulfilled

Image Source / Work It DailyIt's common to start realising how unfulfilling you find your life when you reach particular age milestones, and especially mid life. You may realise that nothing you're doing, or have done, up to now is giving you satisfaction, whether that's hobbies, love life or career.

33. You're Constantly Thinking About The Past

Image Source / Thrive CounselingPeople going through a crisis or a difficult time often look back to the past. This could be because of times you think were better, or maybe even thinking back to where it all went wrong. If you're suddenly dwelling on the past, it might be because you don't know how to move forward.

34. You Have Feelings Of Regret

Image Source / VoxIt's also common to look back to the past and have feelings of regret. If you've hid a mid life crisis then you're bound to be contemplating a few decisions you've made, which also means you could be regretting a whole load of things you've done to get you to this point.

35. You're Always Comparing Yourself To Others

Image Source / Psychology TodayIt's natural to compare yourself to others when you're feeling uncertain about yourself. You might be comparing what you have to what others of your age have, and resenting that other people have more, or wishing you had what other people have. This can all lead to questions like 'Where did I go wrong?' or 'Why can't I have that?'

36. Women Going Through Menopause

Image Source / LifespanSymptoms of a mid-life crisis can actually be amplified if you're going through menopause with the changes in hormones. So if you're experiencing menopause it may be more likely you have a lot of these mid life crisis symptoms, too.

37. Men May Be More Angry

Image Source / BBC Science Focus MagazineFor men in the mid stage of their lives, they may actually become more angry or irritated if going through this type of crisis. It makes sense if you're going through a host of complicated emotions and uncertainties to get angry or irritable about it.

38. A Huge Change In Sleep Habits

Image Source / University of Michigan School of Public HealthNot only might you be struggling to get a good night's sleep, but you might also be finding that your sleep pattern has changed, such as wanting to stay up later nights and not being able to get up as early as you once did - or maybe not wanting to.

39. Mood Changes

Image Source / Paloma HealthYou may find that you have frequent mood changes through a huge spectrum of moods, too. One minute you might be fine, the next quick to anger, feeling general irritableness or maybe going from happy one minute to being overwhelmed by sadness.

40. You've Withdrawn From Your Usual Routine

Image Source / FreepikYou may suddenly find you don't have the energy, or don't care anymore, to keep up with something you normally have in your usual routine. This might be going out for lunch, hitting the gym or even taking part in a hobby class you always went to.

41. Or Maybe Even From Relationships

Image Source / Boundaries.MeYou may also find yourself withdrawing from those relationships you normally put a lot of effort into, day after day. You may suddenly stop making an effort with certain people, spend less and less time with others or maybe don't give your full focus to your partner.

42. Your Hygiene Has Taken A Hit

Image Source / Empowering ParentsWith all the mood changes and being distracted, maybe dwelling on the past or feeling unmotivated, your personal hygiene routine may also get neglected. Maybe your change in sleep pattern means you're too tired to shower and get ready properly, or maybe you just don't care anymore.

43. You Keep Talking About The Past With Others

Image Source / MemeCreator.orgCan you get through a single conversation with someone without mentioning something from your past, or saying 'Yeah but I remember when...'. It's one thing to constantly be thinking about the past, but to bring it up in every single conversation is a mid-life crisis red flag.

44. Lack Of Interest In Sex

Image Source / Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor UKWhen dealing with a midlife crisis, many people first thing of having affairs or having too much libido, but the opposite can also happen, too. You may find you have a distance from sex and suddenly aren't interested in it as you once were.

45. Feelings Of Guilt Or Being Unworthy

Image Source / Strategic LeadershipYou may be riddled by constant feelings of guilt, while you contemplate your life, your past decisions and the people around you. You might even feel unworthy of a better life, and feel unworthy of achieving anything better than you've already made up to this point.

46. You're Asking Yourself Some Deep Questions

Image Source / Minimalism Made SimpleA midlife crisis could result in your asking yourself the 'bigger' questions or making you think differently about the world. You could be asking yourself some very heavy, deep questions about who you are, your situation and what you want from life.

47. You Suddenly Want To Follow Your Heart Over Your Head

Image Source / Black Grace CowleyYou're starting to think about the 'rules' and what it all means, and suddenly have the desire to follow your heart, soul, hopes and dreams rather than what's expected of you or what would seem proper for someone of your age or situation.

48. You're Avoiding Reality

Image Source / Reader's DigestA lot of this can be about escapism and the things you do being a mental or emotional distraction from the norm. This might also be why you impulsively buy things or make rash decisions, because you're not trying to think about it or the reality of why it might not be a good idea!

49. You're Thinking Whether To Quit Your Job

Image Source / TheJobNetworkOne rash decision you could make during a mid life crisis is to up and leave your job and go for an extreme career change. You may even be considering this without much thought, maybe not even giving a notice period if you hate it!

50. You're Saying 'No' To More Things

Image Source / Liane DaveyThis one isn't necessarily a bad thing! When you get to a certain point in your life, it might be more obvious that you want to set more boundaries and say no to things that you just don't want to do, or don't make you happy. So you may have recently had a 'say no' mentality switch.

51. You're Re-evaluating Priorities

Image source ManlyDuring a mid life crisis, you could suddenly start to wonder if your life is as you want it to be.  You'll question what's important at that moment in time and whether your priorities are in the right order.  During this crisis you may think you've got it all wrong.

52. Your Career Feels Meaningless

Image source LifehackYour working day is likely to cause the biggest anxiety as you start to wonder if you've been spending your days in a meaningful way.  As most of us spend up to a third of our waking life in the workplace, are you wasting your precious time, all to pay the bills?

53. Your Body Is Changing

Image source Daily ExpressThere's a sense of loss that comes with middle age and that loss can manifest itself into when you lose your trim figure.  You can't run up and down the stairs, two at a time and even tying shoelaces can be an effort as you try to bend all the way down.  All these factors add up to the stark realism that you're getting older.

54. You're Coping With A Health Diagnosis

Image source Everyday HealthHealth problems can go far beyond backache and not being able to run on that treadmill as fast as you used to.  Arthritis, high blood pressure and dodgy hips can all be part of growing older and make you feel even worse during your mid life crisis.

55. You Feel Stuck In Your Job

Image source Daily ExpressIt's one thing to accept you are unhappy with your career but it's a brave person who will actually make the change.  During a mid life crisis, confidence isn't as high as it used to be and it can be especially daunting to look elsewhere to do something you find fulfilling.

56. Someone Close Has Passed Away

Image source Midlife CrisisGrieving a parent or loved one can be the wake-up call you need as you realize you're no spring chicken yourself and you should make the most of your time.  If you have to care for a relative following that death, you might start to feel lost as everyone will expect you to be super-efficient and you might not feel up to it.

57. You're Wondering What Happens After Death 

Image source SadikuraNot only does death make you think about your life but it can also make you ask yourself the question as to what happens when we leave this earth.  Having a mid life crisis brings up all sorts of thoughts and you can escalate them in your head, the more you think about them.

58. You're Caring For Elderly Parents

Image source CommonwiseTaking care of elderly parents is a tough one and if you are going through a mid life crisis, it can make you reflect on your own future and possible frailty.  You wouldn't want your kids to do for you what you are doing for your parents and it can make you quite miserable.

59. Your Kids Have Moved Out 

Image source The MirrorA home filled with one or more teenagers can test you to the limit but when they leave and you're left an empty nester, your life is so different.  It's just you and your partner with lots of free time and even though that sounds good, you wonder if your relationship can withstand it.

60. You Become Frugal

Image source US Money TodayEven though you may be financially stable, when you get to a certain age, that mid life crisis age, you might start counting the pennies and trying to save money to the extent that you are avidly looking for bargains and buying cheaper food.  New clothes are treated as luxury items even though you would often treat yourself in the past.

61. Your Relationship Has Been Strained

Image source Woman's DayIf you've been feeling uncertain about your own decisions, there's a chance those frustrations have spilled out into your personal life.  The hopelessness and distress can make you feel distant towards your partner.  Once you've accepted it could be the mid life crisis talking, you can address the issue with a health professional.

62. You've Been Sleeping More

Image source FreepikA 15 or 20 minute nap in the afternoon can re-charge the batteries but when you are sleeping in most mornings, taking an hour's slumber after lunch and then dozing off in front of the tv during the evening, this could be a sign of depression caused by a mid life crisis.

63. You Feel Down In The Dumps

Image source John HopkinsThe slump of a mid life crisis can turn into full-on depression.  You may lose interest in your favourite activities or feel restless and then guilty.   Don't ignore the signs and seek the advice of your doctor or practice nurse.  Reaching out will be one of your best decisions.

64. Everything Annoys You

Image source The GuardianWhile some people feel depression or sadness when having a mid life crisis, others might lash out in anger.  You start picking arguments and everything annoys you, even the most trivial things.  You may look back in regret over decisions you've made.

65. Money Is Stressing You Out

Image source Lifetime DailyMost adults will have stressed about money at some stage in their lives but, as they reach retirement age, it becomes more important to them and they overthink it.  Will there be enough for their care in old age?  This is a typical thought process of someone going through a mid life crisis and realizing they are getting older.

66. You're Drawn To Self-Destructive Behaviour

Image source Reader's DigestWhen life appears to have lost its meaning, you may stop caring about whether you're making good or bad decisions. You might spend large chunks of the day in front of the tv, binging on junk food or even turning to drink or drugs.  It's as if anything goes and nothing matters - a sign of a mid life crisis.

67. You're Obsessing Over The Meaning Of Life

Image source YouTubeObsessing over the meaning of life and bringing the subject up with anyone who will listen, is not healthy.  When you reach a mid life crisis point, you become aware of so many things that you never used to and you can't always decipher them clearly as your brain might be muddled with the stress of it all.

68. You've Stopped Making Decisions Based On Others' Expectations

Image source Tiny BuddhaPart of the reason you might have made decisions in the past is because you were trying to please others.  Now you're older, you may regret having made them and wish you had gone down a different path.  You wonder what type of person you are to have done that and you can be critical of yourself.

69. Past Traumas Are On Your Mind

Image source InsiderWhen you reach a mid life crisis, you can feel miserable and you could start re-living trauma from your past that you hadn't addressed.  It can't purely be put down to your age but also to the fact that bottling stuff up means it has to come out at some stage in your life.

70. You Feel Isolated

Image source Sight On StressDuring a midlife crisis, you might feel like you're the only one in the world who's grappling with questions and regrets and you can't bring yourself to open up to your family.  There's a stigma around such conversations but it's so important to open up.

71. Waffling On Decisions

Image source The Muse

Paralysis is a form of indecisiveness which is frustrating for the person experiencing it and those around them.  The other form is known as flip-flopping, where an instant decision is made and then cancelled out.  If you are going through a mid life crisis, you may find it so hard to make a decision.

72. Given Up Hobbies

Image source Science PhotosDid you used to be one of those people who had a busy social life and lots of hobbies to cram into the working week?  You might wish you were still that person but you cannot now muster the enthusiasm to do any of it.  A mid life crisis can make you feel you can't be bothered to enjoy yourself.

73. Stopped Colouring Grey Hair

Image source CosmopolitanYears ago, specifically as a woman, you probably couldn't ever imagine letting your hair go grey and you would book in at the hairdressers every month to get your roots touched up.  During a mid life crisis, you may have low self esteem and have no inclination to make the best of yourself.

74. Worried About Flying

Image source QuoraAs you reach that dreaded mid life crisis, the thought of getting on a plane to take you to your holiday destination might appear worlds away from how you felt when you were younger.  You could have been a regular long haul traveller and loving the whole experience but now you'd rather holiday in your own country, to reduce the stress levels.

75. No Confidence In Driving On The Motorway

Image source IngenieMotorways are thought to be one of the safest ways of road travel.  You may have agreed 10 years ago but not now.  To a person, often a woman, going through a mid life crisis, driving along anywhere apart from the inside lane, fills them with dread.  They don't have the confidence of yester-year.

76. Stopped Regular Chats To Friends

Image source FreepikReaching the crisis age and suffering with it can turn you into a recluse.  The group of friends you always met up with for coffee or a meal, now get excuses from you as to why you can't meet up.  You might even avoid speaking to them on the phone because you don't want to give the reason why.

77. Staring at TV But Not Watching It

Image source US News HealthStaring at the television and concentrating doesn't have to mean you are actually watching a programme.  If you are in the midst of a mid life crisis, your mind can constantly wander and you start thinking about the past and the dark future ahead.

78. Not Replying To Texts

Image source ArenaIt's quite annoying when you send a text and don't receive a reply fairly soon afterwards.  If you are having a mid life crisis, you might read the message but have no intention of responding.  You feel alone and you don't want others telling you to get a grip or making an arrangement to see you.

79. Speaking Your Mind More

Image source ShareablyMost people are generally polite much of the time and don't want to hurt someone's feelings by being outspoken.  The same cannot be said for a person suffering a mid life crisis.  They aren't happy in themselves so they may not care if they insult someone by speaking their mind, with no filter.

80. Wanting To Holiday Alone

Image source GransnetOnce the kids have flown the nest and it's you and your partner rattling around in the family home, it may be too much for you.  You might not have things in common any more with your other half so you decide to run away on holiday - alone.