A Life Crisis is Ageless

 While lying in bed this morning, I started to think about the definition of a mid-life or a quarter-life crisis.  A mid-life crisis is a termed coined back in 1965 to describe a period of dramatic self-doubt in the middle years of life (30-60), as a result of sensing passing youth and the imminence of old age.   So yes, the 40 year-old has gotten a bum rap.   The quarter-life crisis is a newer term, coined in 2001 and basically is the emotional unsettling or insecurity associated with being the real world in the years coming out of college.  I then began to wonder if there shouldn't be a three-quarter life crisis, too just to complete the math!  After thinking about it a bit more, I realized these terms are irrelevant.  A life crisis is ageless because the feelings associated with them don't change just because you're 26 or 56.  Putting an age range to a crisis only helps justify it's existence and if we don't have a crisis in the given timeframes, something must be wrong with us.   This is absolutely untrue.

Feelings during a crisis may include:

• Loss of closeness with high school or college friends and a re-evaluation of those relationships
• Sadness or loneliness due to lack of friendships and long-term romantic relationships 
• Insecurities or disappointments about one's career choice and options
• Fearing mortality of self, family and friends
• Uncertainty about one's own future 
• Insecurity loving thyself and ultimately, others
• Desire to have children
• Stress due to loss of job, school loans, medical bills or other financial burdens
• Isolation due to difficulty connecting in social situations

A life crisis is ageless, normal and something that can and should be worked through.  Depression, alcohol or drug abuse, and suicide are just some of the results when a crisis isn't properly handled.  No one has to accept a personal crisis "as is".   People naturally do not like to talk about their crisis because it makes them feel vulnerable, scared and possibly even ashamed.  I provide a safe space to talk about your crisis, without judgement and with empathy.  When a crisis is properly handled, your next crisis won't feel impossible to deal with.  Yes, we all have crises in our lives and we all can deal with them in a healthy manner.