Saturday, February 1, 2014

Living Through A Female Midlife Crisis

By Serena Price


The female midlife crisis usually starts when a woman reaches her late forty's and will last between two and five years. The symptoms will not be like the male version of this malady and gratefully it does not last as long as the male version. Women who suffer from this are generally feeling lost and disillusioned with life as they know it. Unfortunately the spouse is usually the main target of her reaction to the disillusionment.

As an answer to the depression that they feel some women may turn to alcohol or drugs for relief. They drink in private and keep it a secret from those around them. This behavior makes it even more insidious and difficult to overcome. The drugs they use can be sleeping pills or opiate pain medications. When this happens it is important to find a treatment program as soon as possible.

The age range for this to happen is between forty and fifty years old so they may also be going through menopause at the same time. Hormonal changes in their body add to the problem and can cause them to see themselves as less attractive as a mate. They may become impulsive in their behavior or go on shopping sprees to try to change their image. They can just as easily become discontented with their life partners and seek to break free in some areas.

During this period there will be changes in behavior as well as mood swings. The woman may become a compulsive shopper or become compulsive about her appearance just as easily. This is a period of doubting one's self worth and abilities. Many women in this situation have breast implants or face lifts done and change their mode of dress to look younger.

A survey of two hundred husbands was done regarding the first signs of their wives changes in behavior and many stated that they had become difficult to get along with. Starting arguments or being sarcastic whenever they spoke. They also mentioned that personal appearance had become very important to their wives. They were losing weight, exercising, and dressing in younger fashions.

The solution for these symptoms is to talk about them. Talk to your family and friends about what you are feeling. See your physician and be tested to see if you need anti-depressants to help you through this time. As with most ailments knowledge is power and once you are aware of the problem you have the tools to deal with it.

Much like grieving there are specific stages to this process. They are not exactly the same but similar. You will feel five very strong emotions including anger and depression before you reach acceptance at the end of the cycle. As with grief you can rotate through these feelings many times before you are through it.

To survive the female midlife crisis you must first acknowledge what is happening. Then talk about it to your family and friends. That can take some of the power away from it. Also talk to your doctor if you become depressed. There is help for depression available that includes counseling and medications. Make a serious effort not to over react to your situation. Impulsive behaviors usually have consequences behind them.




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