I agree ☺️ the stereotypes of midlife crisis could be unhelpful for men too. In the same way there’s silence around women’s health, men are expected to be ‘strong’ and deal with issues internally which is a psychological recipe for disaster.
I really like the idea that big life change leads to growth, the suggestion that by middle life we’ve experienced big change helps us to understand the mechanisms of personal growth.
The literature around post traumatic growth is really interesting, but a key takeaway for me is that it’s inconclusive how we do/should measure growth. 💛
Leila, wow. We hardly ever see this now-obvious (from your post) connection between menopause and a 'midlife crisis.' I would posit that it's also unique for women because at this time (as you say, a looooong period, maybe 3 decades...) can include other changes like motherhood (and the hormones or job changes that may accompany it) or childlessness (by choice or circumstance) and the way others SEE a mother or childless woman. It does some odd when you consider all these factors that men are the focus of midlife crises, but then they may have their very valid issues at this time, too. One thing that comes to mind is less frequency of men talking about important life issues with friends, only from several studies I've seen. Lots to think about here. I also will opine that a 'crisis' can also be a life-changing powerful event. It can be something that brings us clarity and change for best or puts things into new perspective after some initial pain. At least this has been my experience the last couple years. But I'm 42...maybe my real crisis is still to come! Your posts always give me a lot to think about. Thank you.
I agree ☺️ the stereotypes of midlife crisis could be unhelpful for men too. In the same way there’s silence around women’s health, men are expected to be ‘strong’ and deal with issues internally which is a psychological recipe for disaster.
I really like the idea that big life change leads to growth, the suggestion that by middle life we’ve experienced big change helps us to understand the mechanisms of personal growth.
The literature around post traumatic growth is really interesting, but a key takeaway for me is that it’s inconclusive how we do/should measure growth. 💛
Leila, wow. We hardly ever see this now-obvious (from your post) connection between menopause and a 'midlife crisis.' I would posit that it's also unique for women because at this time (as you say, a looooong period, maybe 3 decades...) can include other changes like motherhood (and the hormones or job changes that may accompany it) or childlessness (by choice or circumstance) and the way others SEE a mother or childless woman. It does some odd when you consider all these factors that men are the focus of midlife crises, but then they may have their very valid issues at this time, too. One thing that comes to mind is less frequency of men talking about important life issues with friends, only from several studies I've seen. Lots to think about here. I also will opine that a 'crisis' can also be a life-changing powerful event. It can be something that brings us clarity and change for best or puts things into new perspective after some initial pain. At least this has been my experience the last couple years. But I'm 42...maybe my real crisis is still to come! Your posts always give me a lot to think about. Thank you.