Listen to show support during a midlife crisis.
As adults approach midlife, they may exhibit depression, failure, boredom, impulsive decision-making and lack of enjoyment in normal activities of life. This could be a midlife crisis and could lead to serious depression, suicidal thoughts and unwise decisions.
Instructions
1. Talk to your family member or friend to determine if he is experiencing midlife crisis symptoms, which can include depression, impulsive decision making, boredom, feelings of failure or lack of enjoyment in activities or relationships. Listen carefully and genuinely; express interest by maintaining eye contact, leaning forward as you listen and asking questions for clarification.
2. Suggest that he evaluate where he is in life and that he set new goals for growth in his career, family relationships, new activities or skills and finances. Point out needs in the lives of family members or friends who need his affection, advice or skills. This focuses him less on his own perceived failures or inadequacies and reinforces the fact that he is needed and important to others.
3. Review important milestones of success together. Remember career achievements, problems solved, happy family memories, personal victories and blessings received. Suggest that he write thank-you notes to key people involved in these things to build up a positive, grateful outlook.
4. Encourage him to eat nutritiously and participate in physical exercise; join him for exercise if possible. If he is experiencing physical problems, offer to accompany him to the doctor or other health professional. Physical, mental and emotional health are all related, so keeping a healthy outlook, providing emotional support, and adequately providing for physical health are key to successfully navigating through a time of midlife transition.
5. Stay involved through the crisis and transition. Be available to listen, counsel and provide encouragement and positive reinforcement. Be aware of changes in outlook, attitude or physical symptoms. Showing genuine love and appreciation can be a wonderful way to support someone who is working through the life changes that accompany times of crisis and transition to a new stage or phase of life.
Tags: crisis transition, lack enjoyment, midlife crisis, Suggest that
