Are you, or someone close, experiencing a few odd things around a specific age? It’s normal. Learn the signs of midlife crisis in women and you’ll see.
If a man, starting to go grey, buys a red sports car or starts sleeping with his twenty-something secretary, it can be a major alert that he is having a midlife crisis. But the signs of midlife crisis in women are more subtle.
Women have a lot of responsibilities and are often judged for their choices, no matter what they are. So, when that time comes, a woman will not respond in such an outrageous or blunt manner.
A midlife crisis in women isn’t as well-known or discussed as in men, because women are used to hiding these things.
If a woman is going through a midlife crisis, she will continue on with minor changes to her routine. She usually may not do anything shocking, and it will fly far under the radar. [Read: Biggest signs of a midlife crisis in men]
The difference between middle-aged men and women
Often, men are looking to make a change. And usually regarding their masculinity or financial success.
Men look at themselves. They want to have control over a change that they essentially don’t have control over. And they are concerned with what they think of themselves.
Women, however, already don’t have control over how others see them. This is another way a midlife crisis in women is not the same.
Women have been judged for their appearances for decades. Since junior high, they were judged for not having boobs or having boobs that are too big. Now they are judged for not aging gracefully enough. This pressure comes with being a woman, and when you become a woman of a certain age, that pivots. [Read: How to feel more confident in your body and fall in love with yourself]
Women usually get validation from their relationships. Whether as a wife, mother, or even a friend, women see their worth in a different way than men do.
A woman will look back on her life and think about what she has accomplished personally or maybe professionally. She will wonder if where she is right now is as far as she will ever go.
When a man goes through a midlife crisis, he tends to act before thinking.
A woman asks herself deep questions like is this all there is? Is this all I have? And this can cause a woman to recede into herself and become withdrawn. [Read: How to relax and stop overthinking once and for all]
Are you experiencing a midlife crisis?
If you think you’re experiencing a midlife crisis for women, don’t worry. In fact, if you use this crisis to your advantage, you can motivate yourself to accomplish the things that you wanted to but didn’t have the chance to or were too scared to.
Maybe you wanted to become an actress but were scared to audition or you didn’t get into a program that you wanted. And now, you feel incomplete, which is completely normal.
Sure, you may be a bit older and think that it’s too late, that your life is over. Well, first of all, it’s never too late, and your life doesn’t end until you allow it to.
It might also be that someone close to you is showing the signs of a midlife crisis in women and you want to understand it a little more. [Read: It’s time to broaden your horizon’s and live life to the fullest]
The subtle signs of midlife crisis in women
When women have a midlife crisis, it is often shrugged off as “the change” or menopause. According to society, women have to have a physical reason for their altering behavior. But, that isn’t usually the case.
Just like men, women have stress and worry, but when it gets halfway through life, women react differently.
Everything from having irrational emotional moments to spending more time on herself can be signs of a midlife crisis in women. [Read: How to understand the difference between men and women]
1. Insecurity
Whether she has always been self-conscious or not, she may begin to worry more about her appearance. Or a deeper interest in beauty or a new unlikely fear of aging could signal a midlife crisis.
Women already have so much scrutiny over their looks. When they hit that stage in life it can become overwhelming. If you let gray hairs show you don’t care, but if you dye your hair you’re vain. If you get Botox you’re trying too hard, but if you don’t you look old and wrinkled.
This pressure has always been there but when middle-age comes, it can become debilitating. If a woman who has always been quite confident begins to worry about grays or even considers plastic surgery this could mean a midlife crisis. [Read: 20 signs of insecurity people can’t hide when they start feeling insecure]
2. Emptiness
Around the time many women hit their midlife, their kids, if they have them, are grown or out of the house. This could be the first time in nearly two decades that she is no longer a caretaker. Even divorce can trigger this.
Whether she is dealing with the adjustment of becoming an empty nester or not, she may question what her purpose is now. She may look into new hobbies or jobs. She may begin to volunteer or start a project.
When a woman who has had a routine most of her life is yanked away from what she is accustomed to, she will try to find a way to remain useful. [Read: How to cope with the empty nest syndrome]
3. Socializing
As previously stated, this might be the first time she has had free time and a lessened sense of responsibility. Not only is she adjusting to new freedom, but she may take that time to go out and enjoy herself.
Whether that means going to the movies or out on the town with gals, she wants to make the most of some of the things she may not have been able to do.
She may join a club or take classes. She wants to fill her time. Because women who suddenly have free time aren’t used to it, they will try to fill it with as much as possible.
A newer sign of a midlife crisis in women would be using social media to reach out to old friends. [Read: 22 ways to be more social and connect with other people]
4. Changing behavior
When a woman goes through a midlife crisis, she may finally feel a sense of freedom. Although she loved the last twenty or so years, she has paid her dues and deserves a break.
So whether she decides to stop cooking a full dinner every night but rather orders out or even dresses with a new style, she may just be giving herself the life she has been away from for many years. This can be seen in major and minor ways.
She may start taking better care of herself through exercise or her diet. Or, if she has always been perfectly styled she may start to relax and be comfortable. Any break from her norm could be a sign of a midlife crisis in women.
5. Dreaming
Women tend to put their careers and dreams on hold to focus on their family. And if this is the case, she may finally have the confidence and time to fulfill those aspirations. And even if she doesn’t, this midlife crisis could push her to make time for herself.
Perhaps she wants to go back to college and get her degree, start painting, or travel the world. If she didn’t get a chance to do these things when she was younger, now is her chance and she is taking advantage of that.
Even if you never knew she had a dream to teach dance or visit Paris, she is finally able to let her dreams out from the box she’s kept them in. [Read: How to follow your dreams and feel proud of yourself]
6. Dating
And good for her. Whether she is divorced or has been single for a long time, dating is refreshing. And if she is dating younger men she wants something new. There is nothing wrong with dating a younger man, but if this is a change for her, it could be a sign she is going through a midlife crisis.
Although some studies say women are not interested in intimacy during this time, women in their 40s and 50s tend to just be coming into their sexual peak. Whether she spent most of her life with one man and wants to experiment or just has a ton of energy, this could be a clear sign of a midlife crisis.
But as long as she is being safe, more power to her. Men have been dating younger women for centuries. It’s a lady’s turn. [Read: The 10 reasons May-December relationships are good for you]
7. Big changes
Whether she has finally decided to leave her husband, quit her job, or even move, a midlife crisis is a push to alter something in your life. Once a midlife crisis arrives, it causes a constant nagging feeling that something is missing.
Just because these decisions may be signs of a midlife crisis in women it doesn’t mean they are any less valid or important.
Sure, a forty-something man sleeping with his assistant seems futile. But, when a forty-something woman takes charge of her life, it means something.
A big change like switching careers, moving to Tuscany, or even taking skydiving lessons doesn’t mean she’s lost her mind, but it can be a sign her midlife crisis has hit. [Read: 12 simple but life-altering steps to change your life and find real happiness]
8. Intense emotions
Yes, this can signal menopause too, which often comes around the same time as a midlife crisis. How lucky for women, huh? Women are hit with bad timing and an imbalance of hormones all at once.
And one way that comes out is through mood swings. These signs of midlife crisis in women can be seen through irrational anger, random crying fits, or even boosts of energy, not to mention trouble sleeping, hot flashes, and more that would alter anyone’s mood.
If you notice the woman in your life lashing out or becoming flustered or even irrational it could be a sign of a midlife crisis. Women always have fluctuating hormones, but at this time those highs and lows can be a lot more intense.
Experiencing all of these changes physically and emotionally at once is a lot for anyone to handle. [Read: Why are women so emotional? According to science]
9. A lack of fulfillment
Even if nothing in her life has changed in a way you’ve noticed, she may suddenly feel unhappy. This feeling can lead to big changes like adopting a child, selling her house, or investing her money in a start-up. It can also manifest in smaller projects like a remodel, retail therapy, or volunteering.
When she has hit middle age and her life isn’t changing, it can feel like she needs to do something to feel like she has accomplished something.
Sometimes timing and big life changes can push a midlife crisis into the open, but other times they can come along all on their own. [Read: Find your confidence with these simple daily habit changes]
10. Denial
Aging is something we can all get quite sensitive about, some more so than others. But during, or even on the verge of, a midlife crisis women may get quite defensive about the fact that they are getting older.
Whether she dyes her hair or slaps on anti-aging makeup, admitting how old she is turning, celebrating her child’s graduation, or even becoming a grandmother can feel like a slap in the face.
The last thing a woman going through this wants is her age being rubbed in her face. [Read: How to capture the fountain of youth and 15 steps to help you look and feel younger]
11. Nostalgia
Reminiscing on the glory days is a fun time for anyone, but trying to relive that time can be a sign of a midlife crisis in women. She may not dress up in her 80s outfits, but she will look back at old photos, home movies, and other things to try to feel what she felt back then.
To her, those days were exciting and there was so much unknown. Now, she is settled. No matter how happy she has been in her life, she may try to achieve that level of youthfulness.
She may try to get the old gang back together or live vicariously through her children. Or, she may even buy things on eBay that remind her of what she believes was her best years. [Read: Get help letting go of the past and move forward]
12. Inadequacy
Women are often comparing themselves to others at all ages, but during a midlife crisis those feelings can be overwhelming. She may spend time on social media wondering why other women her age look so good or have time to go on vacations.
She may even compare her children’s accomplishments to those of others. It is unfortunate, but feeling like others are happier than she is can be a sign of a midlife crisis in women. [Read: Finally, stop comparing yourself to others]
13. Regret
This can happen to anyone when they have hit a certain point in their life, but women in the midst of a midlife crisis can be overwhelmed with regret. They may feel like they made the wrong choices in life.
Although being able to make changes can be liberating, for some women they may feel trapped in regret. Instead of trying to branch out, they may become unhappy in their lives wishing they made other choices that are too late to change. [Read: Stop regretting your past and face reality]
14. Depression
Even a woman who has never struggled with a mental illness could be thrown into depression at this point. This isn’t normal sadness, but a lack of interest.
If she is having trouble getting out of bed and doesn’t do the things she once enjoyed, she could be dealing with depression.
This, of course, is a much bigger deal than the other signs of a midlife crisis in women. So, it should be taken seriously. If you know a woman who is experiencing these symptoms offer her help. Seeing a licensed therapist can make a big difference for her. [Read: Let’s breakdown the stigma of mental illness]
15. Anxiety
No, anxiety and depression are not the same, although both can be majorly helped by seeing a mental health professional. All these others signs of a midlife crisis in women can manifest themselves in anxiety and even panic attacks.
Overwhelming stressors and changes can cause symptoms of anxiety, like sweating, shaking, hyperventilating, and more. These things can add to the already frustrating parts of a midlife crisis in women and should not be ignored. [Read: How to explain your anxiety to a loved one]
16. Fear
A midlife crisis is not all about one’s life, but also death. This is morbid, but knowing that you are closer to the end of life than the beginning of it can be terrifying.
This can cause a lot of symptoms in women. Everything from excessive dieting and exercise to risking taking can be signs of a midlife crisis.
With death feeling closer, a woman might try to face that with extra vitamins or doctor’s appointments. But, on the other hand, she could also be inspired to take risks like skydiving to feel more alive.
17. Excitement
Although the term midlife crisis sounds pretty horrible it doesn’t have to be. It can just be midlife without the crisis. A woman can hit middle age and have a newfound excitement for life. She may realize how much she has to live for or how much she can do.
A midlife crisis in women can be a crisis of overwhelming joy, not just fear and stress. [Read: Learn how to enjoy your life all the time]
18. Nighttime thinking
Many women find themselves unable to sleep at night or you’re waking up a couple of times through the night. They may be thinking about things they haven’t done in life or things they want to change.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing if they can use these thoughts to actually change themselves.
However, you should also know that this can be attributed to changes associated with menopause as well. Isn’t menopause great? [Read: How to find yourself when you feel like you’ve lost your way]
19. Losing control
She’s not sure what’s happening to her, she feels like she may be going crazy. Maybe she forgets things she usually wouldn’t, feels bursts of anger, or simply wants to cry.
Depending on her age, she may be experiencing a change in her body as it’s shifting into menopause. Thus, it makes her feel like she’s losing her mind.
20. Health worries
She probably never took much notice of that mole on her shoulder, but now she thinks it’s cancer. Actually, she’s pretty sure it’s cancer. We get it. She’s past the age of not caring about her health and closer to the age where things start to pop up. But just because she’s in her late thirties or forties, doesn’t mean life is over.
Yes, be aware of health, but a woman wrapping herself in a bubble is a sign of a midlife crisis for women.
21. The future isn’t bright
There are times when we all think our future isn’t going to be that bright. But now that she’s older, maybe with a partner and children, she feels life is basically all planned out for her, which can be a scary realization.
What’s even better though, is that life isn’t static. It can change if you want it to *or not*. This could also be a sign of depression.
She may try to push herself to do new things to try and shake the funk. Encourage her, this could be a great opportunity for her if she can just get out of the negative mindset she’s in.
22. A sense of grief
This may sound strange, but in some ways, it’s as though she’s grieving. She may not know exactly what it is that she lost, but deep inside, she feels deep sadness.
When experiencing the feeling of loss, there is a need to reflect and see what it is that feels lost in life.
23. Less care and attention about her looks
When a woman is going through a midlife crisis, she may feel that there’s no hope for her anymore. Sure, she was hot in her 20s, but now she’s older and she feels that she should just give up and throw on a pair of sweatpants.
When you stop valuing your appearance, this is a solid sign that you’re going through a personal crisis. You can help her by reminding her of her beauty and being supportive at all times. [Read: The tips you need to go from wallflower to flawless]
24. A focus on aging
Well, sadly, this is inevitable. We’re all aging. But right now, she’s seeing every wrinkle on her face that much clearer. She stares at herself in the mirror thinking, where did the time go?
However, this isn’t going to help her through the crisis. Encourage her to put the mirror down because aging is happening to all of us, this isn’t something anyone can change, but rather we simply have to accept.
25. Less interest in sex
She used to want to have sex all the time. Now, she sees no need to have it. This lowered sex drive could be attributed to hormonal changes which cause a low libido and vaginal dryness.
It could also be a sign that she’s depressed if she’s not feeling like being intimate at all with her partner. [Read: How to increase female libido quickly]
26. She becomes mentally old
She used to be full of spirit, but now she stays at home, ignoring friends, and calling herself an old lady. Which isn’t true, by the way. Allowing herself to think that she’s old actually works in making you older.
If you treat yourself like an elderly woman, you’re going to become one. Encourage her to get out of the house and engage in fun activities. The more you distract her mind and get her to focus on excitement, the easier it will be for her to regain her youthful spirit.
27. An awareness of death
Death was never really on her mind until now. She’s wondering what happens after we die, thinking about how she will die.
This is a crisis. Of course, it’s normal for people to think of these things. However, if these thoughts are a majority of the things she thinks about, she’s in a crisis. [Read: Why we need to breakdown the stigma of mental illness]
In the end, a midlife crisis is simply in your own head
You create a crisis in your head. Yes, you’ve gotten older but so has everyone else. Literally, there is no one on the planet not aging.
The fact that you panic about it is created by you. You’re the one not seeing the positive impact of aging. You’ve become wise, you know what you like, you know your limitations. These only come with experience.
Whether it’s you or someone else in your life who is showing these signs of midlife crisis in women, understand that to some degree, it’s very normal.
Awareness is part of the healing process while also seeing this time as an opportunity for change.
[Read: How to find your meaning when you feel like life is meaningless]
These signs of midlife crisis in women do not need to be so dramatic or overwhelming. This is an entirely normal part of the aging process for women. And it can be a liberating time instead of a limit on time.
The post Midlife Crisis in Women: 27 Signs, How It Hits You & What You Feel Inside is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.
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