I think this is a subject this isn’t well talked about – midlife crisis in women. I’ve definitely wondered “is this me?”
Midlife Crisis in Women – Is This Me?
Growing up I always heard about men having midlife crises. In the stereotype, they got sports cars and had affairs with younger women.
But for me, the reality of midlife crisis in women is the inner turmoil our bodies go through as our hormones change. Of kids going off to college, deciding what’s next, and wondering “what’s my purpose?”
Most days I feel really great. I’m super thankful for my life, my children, my husband, my dogs, and my contentment in life. And then other days I get such a sinking feeling that I can’t quite figure out what to do aside from spend the day watching Netflix while snuggling my dogs. (Lately I’m obsessed with horror movies…go figure!)
I’ve talked about my struggle with anxiety and how Lexapro literally changed my life. But that doesn’t mean life will always be perfect. This Forbes article 15 Signs You’ve Hit Your Mid-Life Crisis (And What To Do About It) spoke to me SO LOUDLY today. Today I feel like I’m having a major midlife crisis.
Here’s the thing though…these are totally normal feelings! It is 100% okay to have those days.
I think part of my problem is that I don’t often give myself permission to just do nothing. And so when I have those off days, I feel like a failure. Like I’m doing something wrong. But the reality is – it’s important to have off days. To not always feel productive or like life is perfect. Those moments allow us to appreciate the good that much more.
And it’s also important to seek help if you feel those bad days are more often than the good ones. For me, that means taking my medication (Lexapro), exercising, and getting out of the house enough.
It also helped me to recognize that certain things trigger my bad days. When we have multiple gloomy, rainy days, my mood drops. Or when I’ve spent too many days cooped up at home. That’s when I remind myself to do something – anything – that will force me to just move my body.
I think today I will wash and style my hair, and get dressed and try a new restaurant. Sometimes it’s the little things. As long as we do something to get out of that funk and keep moving.
Midlife Crisis in Women – Is This You?
I would love to hear from you. Can you relate? What are your coping mechanisms?
I have a few upcoming doctor appointments to get my hormone levels checked. I think this is an important piece of the puzzle, especially as our estrogen hormones wane.
x Tammy
Related Articles:
How Lexapro Changed My Life: Part 1
Lexapro Stopped Working Part 2
The Relationship of Clothes and Mood
Why Am I So Hard on Myself?
How to Feel Confident In Your Clothes
5 thoughts on “Midlife Crisis in Women – Is This Me? Is This You?”
I can totally relate! My hormones really take a toll on me these days. I also take an anti- anxiety / antidepressant medication which helps me a lot. But like you said is not the complete answer. I have to do a lot of things to stay mentally healthy and keep myself from slipping into a full on slump. Diet and exercise, therapy etc…. And as a recovering addict I am a huge proponent of support groups.
Thanks for sharing! So helpful to hear other woman talk about this stuff.
You are doing so great! And I agree – finding support wherever we can is the best! Especially when we can help others in the process.
I can relate. I’m 52, and starting hormone replacement *today*, so your post was well timed. Other coping mechanisms that I use imperfectly — Eat healthfully. Sleep. Lift heavy weights (and I’ve drastically decreased cardio workouts because I think there counterproductive at this point). Yoga. Time in nature. Decrease alcohol (and my real goal is to cut it out completely.)
I can relate. I’m 52, and starting hormone replacement *today*, so your post was well timed. Other coping mechanisms that I use imperfectly — Eat healthfully. Sleep. Lift heavy weights (and I’ve drastically decreased cardio workouts because I think they’re counterproductive at this point). Yoga. Time in nature. Decrease alcohol (and my real goal is to cut it out completely.)
Thanks for checking in, Heather! I’m going to be talking to my endocrinologist about hormone injections soon. I still do cardio plus weights and I’ve also started intermittent fasting and I’m finding some crazy good results with it. I’ve only been doing it 1.5 months so far, but I’m impressed – less aches and better sleep, woo hoo!