What is a life crisis?

Those affected by a life crisis find themselves at a point where the current status quo is called into question. Such phases are characterized by a feeling of insecurity and are caused by the loss of previous standards or certainties or by a loss of control over one's own life. In a life crisis, those affected question their own self-image, existing relationships and their own abilities, which also calls into question a balanced and previously functioning life. Negative thoughts or emotions and hopelessness determine everyday life in a life crisis. The following symptoms are associated with a life crisis:

• Sadness
• Fear of the future
• Negative thinking
• The question of whether life as it is now still has any meaning
• Hopelessness
• Insecurity, restraint and self-doubt
• Irritability and mood swings
• Insomnia, loss of appetite, aching limbs, nausea

When a life crisis occurs

As a rule, the most susceptible phases for a life crisis or identity crisis can be divided into three stages: childhood and adolescence, midlife and later adulthood.

During childhood and adolescence, there are certain life thresholds in which some children or young people can suffer particularly from psychological stress. Puberty often goes hand in hand with a change of character, sexual orientation and finding one's role in society. The subsequent phase includes further demands that you have to meet: Integration into social and professional life, the first real relationship and gaining sexual experience, falling in love and confronting reality, separation and identity development.

Midlife is also known as the "midlife crisis", which usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50. During this phase, you often reflect on your past achievements and take stock of your personal and professional life. If you have children who may also be going through puberty, the stress that often accompanies this can also influence a life crisis.

The third phase relates to the increasing age at which your children become independent and are no longer as dependent on their parents as before. This also creates distance (on a local or personal level). The possible end of a professional relationship due to retirement can also be accompanied by the fear of losing social status in society and one's own prosperity. Finally, factors such as illness or the death of a partner can also cause a life crisis.

The most common causes of a life crisis

Life or identity crises often do not arise in early youth, but in adolescence or adulthood. Frequent causes of a life crisis are related to work, love life or personal values. Burn-out is also a life crisis that many people have to overcome. In most cases, this diagnosis is linked to professional reasons, but it can also be caused by the excessive burden of family, job and household. The motivational drive is no longer there, everyday life is characterized by listlessness and hope for a better future is often lost.

Loss often plays an important role in the development of life crises. The loss can be manifold: the loss of people, beloved animals, youthful beauty, a professional relationship, accompanied by the search for new employment.

What can you do about a life crisis?

• You have to accept the situation! This may be difficult, but there is no point in denying reality. It will only cost you strength, so accept the situation as such.
• Sentences like "I'll never manage" or "My life can never get better" are not helpful. Think as positively as possible and remember situations that you have already successfully mastered.
• Objectivity is important. If you are the person affected, your own feelings often play an important role. Therefore, talk to friends or family or write down your situation. You can often find a more objective solution through these measures.
• Fresh air helps! You also need to get enough sleep, as processing the crisis puts additional stress on the body.
• Take care of yourself! Eat things that you like or do activities that you enjoy. This causes the body to release happiness hormones that help you.
• Set yourself goals that you want to achieve. If you can't do this on your own, get help from friends, family or professional counselors.
• It will help you to meet people who have suffered a similar fate and have successfully overcome it. They can give you courage!
• Furthermore, if you feel that you can no longer cope with the situation yourself, get professional help!

Read also:
Men in midlife crisis - Help, my husband is a puberty animal!
Midlife crisis for women: how to get through the crisis in a relaxed manner
Time for me: let go, enjoy, switch off
Self-care: 7 secrets for a zest for life
Fill up on light and say goodbye to the fall blues!
Overcome self-doubt: I like myself!
Boost your self-confidence: 7 tips against shyness